Systems and methods for playing a game of chance with selectable matrices

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods enable one or more players to play a game of chance. A system includes a processor and a memory device configured to store processor executable instructions that provide a game of chance in which a plurality of house indicia is selected from a pool of house indicia. When the processor executes the instructions, the processor is programmed to randomly select a plurality of house indicia from the pool of house indicia, provide a random chance of selecting a bonus indicia, and determine whether a pattern has been completed by determining whether each player indicia within the pattern is matched by one of the selected plurality of house indicia. If the pattern has not been completed, the processor automatically completes the pattern if the bonus indicia is selected and if a predetermined number of player indicia within the pattern have not been matched by the selected house indicia.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/236,352 filed Sep. 10, 2012, entitled “System and Method forPlaying an Electronic Single Player Pattern Game”, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods forplaying bingo, keno, and other games of chance.

Bingo is a game of chance played with randomly drawn articles typicallyhaving numbers or other indicia that players match against correspondingindicia on a player card or ticket. Traditional bingo games have numberspre-arranged in a table, grid, matrix, or array, with winners determinedby making a predetermined winning pattern with called numbers. Thenumbers may be printed on paper or cardstock, or electronicallyrepresented on a display with the subset of numbers for each playgenerally referred to as cards or tickets. When a single paper or otherplaying piece includes multiple cards, each may be referred to as a cardface with the group of card faces referred to as a card or ticket.Players try to obtain the winning pattern or number of matches on theirfaces by covering or marking numbers on their cards as numbers arerandomly selected or preselected from a predetermined group of numbers,such as 75 or 90 numbers, for example. Once a winning pattern isachieved or a predetermined number of calls are made, the game ends.

In contrast to keno, lotto, and related odds-based numbers games,regulations for bingo and related games generally include somerequirement that the game must be played to conclusion. Althoughrequirements may vary considerably by jurisdiction, this requirement isgenerally interpreted as requiring one or more winners. As such, ifthere are no winners in the prescribed number of calls, players continueto play for a consolation prize. Consolation prizes may be a fixedamount or a pari-mutuel prize based on the total or aggregate number andprice of cards or tickets purchased by all players for that game.Payment of consolation prizes may be a significant operating expense forbingo gaming establishments. In addition, because of the uncertainty inthe number of calls that may be required for a consolation prize winner,the use of consolation prizes to meet the requirement that the game beplayed to conclusion may reduce the total number of games that can beplayed in a given time period and thereby adversely affect scheduling ofgames and overall revenue for the operator.

Alternative methods of play have been developed to increaseparticipation by creating excitement. Since its invention in 1934,modern bingo has evolved into multiple variations, with eachjurisdiction's gambling laws regulating how the game is played. Thereare also nearly unlimited winning criteria that may be specified forplaying a particular game. Some patterns only require one number to bematched whereas coverall games require an entire card to be matched orcovered to award the jackpot. Other games may award prizes to playersfor matching no numbers or achieving none of the specified patterns.

There are many variations of bingo games and even bingo cards. Forexample, double-action cards have two numbers in each square. However,the most common bingo cards are flat pieces of cardboard or paper thatcontain 25 squares arranged in five vertical columns and five horizontalrows. More recently, computer generated visual representations of bingocards and related game cards or tickets may be presented on a screen ordisplay. Each space in the grid contains a single number, except theremay be one or more “Free” spaces, which typically include at least thecenter space. The “Free” spaces are considered covered or filled fromthe beginning of the game. For games played utilizing 75 numbers oranother multiple of 5 numbers, the letters B, I, N, G, and O may bepre-printed above the five vertical columns with one letter appearingabove each column to assist players in more quickly locating a callednumber on their card(s). Players often play multiple cards for eachgame. For 75 number games, the numbers printed on the card are commonlyarranged as follows: 1 to 15 in the B column, 16 to 30 in the I column,31 to 45 in the N column, 46 to 60 in the G column, and 61 to 75 in theO column. Depending on how many numbers are in each column for aparticular game, the numbers are generally randomly selected from thenumber ranges above for each column. For example, a standard bingo gamemay include 25 spaces with 5 randomly selected numbers between 1 and 15assigned to the B column, and so on. However, one variation randomlyassigns the numbers to the available columns. In another variation,sometimes referred to as “U-Pic'Em” bingo, players may be issued threecards each having ⅓ of the total available numbers with all numbers thatmay be called or drawn included. Players then identify or mark whichnumbers they wish to play and then cover or mark the selected numberswhen a corresponding number is called or drawn. Rather than apredetermined pattern, a predetermined number (such as 5 or 10) ofmatches to the called numbers determines a winning card.

With the expansion of Tribal gaming across the U.S., there are numerousversions of bingo that emulate the fast action of casino-like tablegames, but utilize the principals of bingo where players mark andmonitor grid or matrix cards. Casino games like Roulette, Acey Duecy,and Money Wheel have bingo counterparts, which are permitted to beplayed under bingo licenses in many parts of the country. Similarly, UPic'Em-style bingo is played in many markets, including in NativeAmerican bingo halls across the United States, and has been federallyrecognized as Class II gaming pursuant to the Indian Gaming RegulatoryAct codified at 25 U.S.C. §2703. It is similar to keno in that playersare seeking to match a specific set of numbers rather than a set ofnumbers that form a specific pattern on a bingo card. In keno, 20numbers are drawn from a pool of 80 numbers. Players select 1 to 20numbers and prizes are awarded based on the probabilities of matching aspecific set or sets of numbers. Keno is strictly odds-based with aknown theoretical chance to win. In contrast, U-Pic'Em bingo gamesgenerally have a pool of 75 or 90 available numbers or indicia ratherthan the 80 used in keno, and the number of indicia drawn is generally24 rather than the 20 numbers drawn in keno. Unlike keno, a U-Pic'Emgame may be combined or offered as a bonus in combination with a moretraditional bingo game having a winning criterion associated with apattern formed on a player card or ticket by the matched numbers inaddition to the number of matched indicia, and played to conclusion,i.e. until at least one player wins a prize.

In some variants of U-Pic'em Bingo, a specific set of numbers (usuallythree or five) are not chosen by the player, but instead are pre-printedat the top of a bingo card. In other variations, players choose theirnumbers (usually six to eight) and write them down on two-part paper,depositing one part in a locked box and keeping the other part to tracktheir numbers. This method generally requires manual verification and israther time consuming and labor intensive for the operators. There mayalso be variations on the way(s) to win with the numbers. For example,one common method is if the first n numbers (usually in the three tofive number variant) drawn during the course of the bingo game match thenumbers a player has, the player wins a bonus prize that is above andbeyond the prize for completing the winning bingo pattern(s). Othervariations (more commonly found in the six to eight number variant)include awarding a prize to the player who matches the greatest numberof indicia, or to all players who match specific numbers of indicia. Thelatter variant does not require the indicia be called as part of asession-based bingo game. Rather, the latter variant is odds-basedsimilar to keno, and facilitates play in locations that may not offerbingo, as well as those facilities that have more traditional bingogames.

Some jurisdictions do not recognize odds-based games as being bingo,though many do. However, odds-based games may still be classified asbingo or Class II gaming when players are competing against one anotherfor a prize, or where a winner is determined and a prize awarded forevery game as previously described. In addition to prize awards based onthe number of player indicia matching called indicia (also referred toas house or game indicia), various patterns may be used to determine awinner for a particular game. In addition to a straight horizontal,vertical, or diagonal line, many bingo halls consider other patterns asa valid bingo, usually in special games. For example, a 2×2 square inthe upper right-hand corner would be considered a “postage stamp.”Another common special game requires players to cover each of the fourcorner squares. Games may also require two lines (double) or three lines(triple) to win. Combination games may have multiple bingos and/orwinners based on different winning criteria, such as matching numbers orpatterns of numbers. For example, the players initially play to achievea first winning pattern, such as a single line, to determine a firstwinner and then continue playing with the same cards and numbers toachieve a second winning pattern, such as a double line or coverall foranother prize.

The called numbers may be randomly selected using various methods forany of the variations of the game. With the expansion of computertechnology, electronic random number generators (RNG) are nowcommonplace in many jurisdictions. However, some jurisdictions requirephysical draws that may utilize a randomly shuffled deck of bingo orother calling cards, a mechanical ball blower that mixes balls withblown air, or a cage that is turned to mix small wooden balls, forexample. All methods essentially generate a sequence and/or group ofrandom numbers for players to match to their card(s) or ticket(s).

In another version of play sometimes referred to as “Quick Shot,”numbers are pre-drawn and players purchase sealed cards that are thenmatched against the pre-drawn numbers. If a specified pattern isachieved, then the player usually wins a prize according to a prizetable. This is an odds-based, keno-like game that may be found onvarious Class II gaming devices manufactured by companies such asGameTech, Video King, Lightning Games, and others. Some versions areplayed until a player achieves a top level prize, and then new numbersare drawn and the game begins anew. This type of bingo may be playedover days, weeks, or months depending on the difficulty of achieving atop level prize.

In “Bonanza Bingo” played with 75 numbers, typically 45 numbers arepre-drawn at the beginning of a bingo session. Players purchase sealedcards that are then matched against the pre-drawn numbers. At adesignated time, the caller asks if anyone has a winning pattern orbingo. If no winners are identified, the caller then draws one moreball. This game is commonly played as a “progressive” game, where thejackpot increases as more cards are sold. If no one has achieved bingoafter the single ball has been drawn, players then hold their cards forthe next session of bingo, which may take place the following day orfollowing week, for example. During each session thereafter, a singleball is drawn and players may continue to purchase additional sealedcards until someone achieves a cover-all.

Many bingo gaming establishments have a call board or flashboard withcalled numbers illuminated or displayed for the players to seepreviously called numbers. In U.S. style bingo using 75 numbers, theflashboard is often arranged in 5 rows of 15 columns with the numbersarranged in sequence from left to right. In a version referred to as“Horse Racing Bingo,” up to 15 players are randomly issued a number from1 to 15 corresponding to the top row of numbers on the flashboard.Numbers are then drawn and the first person to match all five numbers intheir assigned column wins. This is a fast paced and exciting form ofbingo typically played in fraternal organizations.

As previously described, various types of bingo games may use differenttypes of progressive prizes. The first involves increasing a prizeamount based on contributing a portion (either fixed amount orpercentage) of each ticket sold to the progressive prize pool. Someprogressive prize pools are increased per unit of time, such as a day,week, etc. Progressive prize pools may be grouped in different ways,including by winning pattern, days of the week, bingo session (time ofday), etc. Some progressive prize games may change the contributionamount after the game starts and/or stop contributions once the prizereaches a certain value.

In virtually all keno, lottery, bingo, and slot machines, theprogressive portion of the prize is split when there are multiplewinners. The progressive portion is the current amount of theprogressive meter less the amount of the base jackpot. The progressiveportion grows by allocating a portion of every wager to the progressivemeter. Thus, when there are multiple winners, the progressive amount isgenerally split evenly among all winners. For example, a game startswith a base jackpot of $10,000. As players make wagers, a portion ofeach wager is added to the progressive meter causing it to grow to$14,000. If two people were to win the progressive jackpot or prizeduring the same game, they would each be paid the base amount of $10,000in addition to half of the progressive amount of $4,000 for a totalprize award of $12,000. Additionally, in many instances the progressiveprize is paid on an aggregate basis and would be split evenly among thewinners for $7,000 each in this example.

The various styles of bingo and related games generally have some commonfeatures. For example, a particular game (i.e. winning criterion) endswhen the first winner satisfies the winning criterion. In combinedgames, play may continue after a first winner has been identified, butthe winning criterion and/or prize are changed for a second orsubsequent winner. For example, a group of player selected numbers ismatched first, and the game play is continued to match one or morepatterns, such as a single line followed by double line, or a doubleline followed by a coverall. Similarly, because many jurisdictionsrequire bingo and related games to be played to conclusion (in contrastto keno or lotto type games where it is acceptable to not have awinner), if there is no winner matching the winning criterion within therequired number of calls, the winning criterion and/or prize may bechanged for a consolation game that is played until a winner isdetermined, for example. Another common feature of the various games,including keno, lotto, and progressive style games, is that multiplewinners generally split or share the prize.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a memory deviceconfigured to store instructions that are executable by a processor toprovide a game of chance in which a plurality of house indicia isselected from a pool of house indicia. The system also includes aprocessor coupled to the memory device for executing the instructions.When the processor executes the instructions, the processor isprogrammed to randomly select a plurality of house indicia from the poolof house indicia, provide a random chance of selecting a bonus indicia,and determine whether a pattern has been completed by determiningwhether each player indicia within the pattern is matched by one of theselected plurality of house indicia. Upon a determination that thepattern has not been completed, the processor is further programmed toautomatically complete the pattern upon a determination that the bonusindicia is selected and that a predetermined number of player indiciawithin the pattern have not been matched by the selected plurality ofhouse indicia.

In another embodiment, a method of providing a game of chance in which aplurality of house indicia is selected from a pool of house indicia isprovided. The method includes randomly selecting, by a processor, aplurality of house indicia from the pool of house indicia, providing arandom chance of selecting a bonus indicia, and determining, by theprocessor, whether a pattern has been completed by determining whethereach player indicia within the pattern is matched by one of the selectedplurality of house indicia. Upon a determination that the pattern hasnot been completed, the method also includes automatically completingthe pattern, by the processor, upon a determination that the bonusindicia is selected and that a predetermined number of player indiciawithin the pattern have not been matched by the selected plurality ofhouse indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system that may be used to play a game ofchance.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another system that may be used to play agame of chance.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computing device that may be used withthe system shown in FIG. 1 or the system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a gaming device that may be used with thesystem shown in FIG. 1 or the system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a plurality of program modules that may beused with the system shown in FIG. 1 or the system shown in FIG. 2 toadminister a game of chance.

FIG. 6 is a method of playing a game of chance that may be used with thesystem shown in FIG. 1 or the system shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a plurality of ball call timelines that may beused with the systems and methods described herein.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a plurality of player card sizes or matrices thatmay be used with a game of chance provided by the systems and methodsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 9A-9H illustrate a plurality of game patterns that may be usedwith a 5×5 player card matrix for a game of chance provided by thesystems and methods described herein.

FIGS. 10A-10H illustrate a plurality of game patterns that may be usedwith a 4×4 player card matrix for a game of chance provided by thesystems and methods described herein.

FIGS. 11A-11H illustrate a plurality of game patterns that may be usedwith a 3×3 player card matrix for a game of chance provided by thesystems and methods described herein.

FIG. 12 is a screenshot of a game entry interface that may be used withthe systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 13 is a screenshot of a pattern selection interface that may beused with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method of playing a game of chance thatmay be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 15 is a screenshot of a user interface that may be presented duringexecution of the method described in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 15that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.14.

FIG. 17 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 15that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.14.

FIG. 18 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 15that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.14.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a method of playing another game of chancethat may be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 20 is a screenshot of a user interface that may be presented duringexecution of the method described in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 20that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.19.

FIG. 22 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 20that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.19.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of a method of playing another game of chancethat may be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 24 is a screenshot of a user interface that may be presented duringexecution of the method described in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 24that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.23.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of a method of playing another game of chancethat may be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 27 is a screenshot of a user interface that may be presented duringexecution of the method described in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 27that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.26.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of a method of playing another game of chancethat may be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 30 is a screenshot of a user interface that may be presented duringexecution of the method described in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 30that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.29.

FIG. 32 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 30that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.29.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of a method of playing yet another game ofchance that may be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 34 is a screenshot of a user interface that may be presented duringexecution of the method described in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 34that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.33.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram of a method of playing yet another game ofchance that may be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 37 is a screenshot of a user interface that may be presented duringexecution of the method described in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is another screenshot of the user interface shown in FIG. 37that may be presented during execution of the method described in FIG.36.

FIG. 39 is a pay table that may be used with the systems and methodsdescribed herein.

FIG. 40 is another pay table that may be used with the systems andmethods described herein.

FIGS. 41-137 are additional pay tables that may be used with the systemsand methods described herein.

FIG. 138 is a flow diagram of a method of playing another game of chancethat may be used with the systems and methods described herein.

FIGS. 139-145 are screenshots of user interfaces that may be presentedduring execution of the method described in FIG. 138.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods for playing a game of chance, which may be played asa standalone game of chance or in combination with another game ofchance are described herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of gamingdevices are connected to one or more servers over a network, such as awide area network (WAN) and/or a local area network (LAN). The gamingdevices may include, for example, cellular phones, laptop or desktopcomputers, gaming kiosks or terminals, and/or any other suitabledevices. The servers may include one or more local servers within agaming establishment and/or one or more wide area progressive (WAP)servers connected to the local servers and/or to the gaming devicesthrough the network.

In one embodiment, each gaming device presents a plurality of games ofchance to a player to enable the player to select and play the games ofchance. In addition, each gaming device includes a randomization device,such as a random number generator (RNG) and/or a permutation generator,that is used to play a selected game on the gaming device. For example,if the player selects a game of bingo to be played on a gaming device,the gaming device uses the randomization device to select a plurality ofhouse indicia to be used during the game. In another embodiment, atleast some aspects of the game are provided by one or more servers, suchas the local server or the WAP server. For example, the server mayinclude a randomization device for randomly selecting the house indiciain the bingo game.

In the example of the bingo game, the house indicia are compared to aplurality of player indica that are included within a pattern selectedfor one or more player cards. If the player indicia within the patternare matched by the house indicia, the player may win a prize based onthe number of house indicia that have been selected and an associatedpay table.

In the example of a keno game of chance, the gaming device uses therandomization device to randomly select a plurality of house indicia ina similar manner as described with respect to the game of bingo.However, the house indicia are typically randomly selected, or called,from a pool of 80 house indicia, although other sizes of house indiciapools may be used. The called house indicia are compared to a pluralityof player indicia to determine how many player indicia are matched bythe house indicia and may be irrespective of a pattern of the playerindicia. The embodiments described herein may include allowing theplayer to select the number of and specific player indicia to beutilized for a keno game or may include an automated or quick pickselection. For example, a player may select one player indicia or spotto play a 1 spot game, 2 player indicia or spots for a 2 spot game, 3player indicia or spots for a 3 spot game, etc. Embodiments may alsorequire a minimum number of player indicia or spots for a game. Forexample, a 10 player indicia or 10 spot game may require a minimum of 5player indicia or spots or a 5 spot game. Embodiments may also include amaximum number of player indicia or spots that are playable. Forexample, in an 80 number game, the maximum number of house indicia orspots selectable by the player may be confined to 20 numbers or less ora 20 number game or less. Accordingly, in an 80 number game, the minimumnumber of player indicia or spots may be 5 and the maximum playerindicia or spots may be 20. The player may win one or more prizes basedon the number of player indicia matched by the called house indicia.

In one embodiment, the prize is one of a plurality of progressive prizesthat are administered by the WAP server. A plurality of players maycompete for the progressive prizes and if two or more players win aprogressive prize, the prize may be shared between the winning players,or the players may each receive the same progressive prize or a portionthereof, for example.

Each gaming device may also enable a player to switch between games thatare provided on the gaming device. For example, in one embodiment, aplurality of games are provided on each gaming device and a player mayselect a different game to be played by selecting an appropriate icondisplayed on a user interface of the gaming device. The gaming devicetransfers gameplay data associated with the player, such as a number ofcredits, a number of games played, etc., from a game most recentlyplayed to the newly selected game. The player may then play the newlyselected game as described herein.

A technical effect of the systems and methods described herein includesone or more of: (a) randomly selecting, by a processor, a plurality ofhouse indicia from the pool of house indicia; (b) providing a randomchance of selecting a bonus indicia; (c) determining, by the processor,whether a pattern has been completed by determining whether each playerindicia within the pattern is matched by one of the selected pluralityof house indicia; and (d) upon a determination that the pattern has notbeen completed, automatically completing the pattern, by the processor,upon a determination that the bonus indicia is selected and that apredetermined number of player indicia within the pattern have not beenmatched by the selected plurality of house indicia.

As used herein, a “game of chance” or “game” refers to an electronicgame that is played by a player in which an outcome of the game ofchance is at least partially based on chance or a random selection ofgame components. It should be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the term “random” is not limited to true randomness, suchas truly random numbers. Rather, pseudorandom numbers and pseudorandomalgorithms are included within the meaning of “random.” In addition,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that permutationgenerators may additionally or alternatively be used to generate playercard indicia.

Gaming devices described herein may use real money for play, or mayutilize a credit-based system in which the credits used for the games donot have a cash value. Similarly, prizes for the games may be in theform of credits, cash, and/or physical prizes such as televisions,automobiles, or the like.

The play of a game, or the game play, includes the drawing or selectionof a plurality of house indicia after one or more player cards have beenselected. The house indicia are drawn or selected until a game endingcriteria is met. The game ending criteria may include, for example, thematching of a pattern on the player card, or the drawing or selection ofa predetermined maximum number of house indicia. It should be recognizedthat other suitable game ending criteria may be used to end the play ofthe game.

As used herein, the term “player indicia” refers to indicia, such asobjects, graphics, symbols, numbers, letters, or the like, that areprinted on, displayed on, or otherwise associated with a player cardused by the player to play a game of chance. In at least someembodiments, the player may select one or more player indicia for eachplayer card.

The term “house indicia” or “game indicia” refers to indicia generated,called, or otherwise selected by a gaming establishment or an operatorof the game. In one embodiment, house indicia are compared to playerindicia on each player card to determine if each player card satisfiesone or more winning conditions.

The term “ball call” refers to a random selection of house indicia inconnection with a game of chance. The terms “select,” “draw,” “call,”“determine,” and “generate” are used interchangeably with respect to theselection of house indicia, numbers, or balls in a game. A ball call mayinclude drawing or receiving a random ball with a number indicated onthe ball, or may more generally refer to a random selection of a numberor another suitable house indicia using a randomization device. A“ball,” as used herein, may be a round plastic, wood, or glass sphericalobject with a number or other indicia displayed thereon, or may be anelectronic representation of a spherical object with a number or otherindicia displayed thereon. It should be recognized that the term “ball”may also include non-spherical objects or electronic representations,such as cubes, electronic images, and/or the numbers or indicia bythemselves.

As used herein, the term “pattern” refers to a predetermined combinationof spaces of a player card. In at least some embodiments, a winningcombination is satisfied if player indicia included within the spacesassociated with a pattern are matched to house indicia called during thegame.

As used herein, the term “the house” refers to a game operator or agaming establishment operator. For example, if a game is operated withinor by a casino, the casino may be referred to as the house.Alternatively, the house may refer to a software application containedwithin a mobile device, such as a cell phone or a tablet computingdevice, that operates the game on the mobile device.

“Gameplay data,” as used herein, refers to data associated with a playerthat is also associated with the results of one or more games that theplayer has played or is in the process of playing. Gameplay data mayinclude, for example, a number of credits or an amount of currencyavailable to the player, a number of games played, a number of games wonor lost, a winning or losing streak, and/or any other suitable data.

As used herein, the term “fixed prize” or “fixed payout” refers to aprize or payout that is a predetermined multiple of an amount wagered onthe game, or that is a fixed amount regardless of the amount wagered.The fixed prizes or payouts are typically listed on a pay tableassociated with the game.

In contrast, progressive prizes or payouts are prizes or payouts inwhich at least a portion of the payout or prize increases or changesbased on the amounts wagered by the players who are playing the game towin the progressive prize.

A “local game” is a game that is played by players within apredetermined location, such as within a single gaming establishment, orplayers playing the game across a local area network. A “local prize” ora “local payout” (including a local progressive prize or a localprogressive payout) is a prize that may be won during a local game.

In some embodiments, different groups of players may qualify to competeto win different prizes. For example, a first group of playerspositioned in a gaming establishment may be able to compete to win oneor more local prizes (e.g., progressive prizes and/or pari-mutuelprizes) while a second group of players may not be able to compete towin those prizes, for example, if the second group of players ispositioned outside of the gaming establishment. However, the first groupof players and the second group of players may be able to compete to winone or more other shared or common prize, such as one or moreprogressive and/or pari-mutuel prizes administered over a wide areanetwork.

An “individual prize” is a prize that is only awarded to a player of anindividual gaming device. For example, if a group of players are playinga game over a network, the game may provide one or more individualprizes that are tied to a single gaming device such that the individualprizes are only able to be won by the player of the gaming device.Individual prizes are sometimes referred to as gaming device specificplayer prizes because the individual prizes are specific to a player'sgaming device. Accordingly, while a plurality of players may play to winone or more shared or common progressive prizes and/or pari-mutuelprizes, each player is prevented from winning individual prizesassociated with, or “tied to,” any other player's gaming device.

As used herein, the terms “connect” and “couple” are not limited to onlyincluding direct connections. Rather, unless otherwise specified,indirect connections are included within the definitions of “connect”and “couple.” For example, two devices may be considered to be connectedtogether even if there are other devices or components connected betweenthe two devices. Any suitable means to connect or couple devices orcomponents together may be used.

A player reward card refers to a physical or electronic card, token, orother device or data that enables a system to identify a player inconnection with, among other things, a reward program or campaign.Accordingly, the player reward card may serve to identify the player andmay enable game play, credits, funds, or other data to be associatedwith the player.

A player card refers to a card that may be used by the player to playbingo or another game of chance. The player card typically includes aplurality of spaces that may display or include player indicia. Theplayer card may be an electronic card that is transmitted to a device orgenerated by a device that the player is using to play the game ofchance. Alternatively, the player card may be manufactured from paper,cardboard, cardstock, plastic, and/or any other suitable material.

Methods described herein may be embodied within a plurality ofinstructions stored within a memory device of a computing device.Moreover, a processor of the computing device, or of a computing devicecoupled to the memory device, executes the instructions to perform thefunctions described herein and/or to cause the functions describedherein to be performed. The instructions may be grouped together to formone or more computer-readable program modules.

Computing devices typically include at least one processor and at leastone memory device. The processor may be, without limitation, anx86-based logic circuit, an ARM-based logic circuit, and/or asystem-on-a-chip circuit. It should be recognized that these examplesare non-limiting, and a variety of other programmable circuits may beincluded within the definition of “processor.” The memory device mayinclude random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory(ROM), hard disk drives, magnetic-based memory, and/or any other form ofcomputer-readable memory.

A desktop computer is one example of a computing device. Other examplesof computing devices include, without limitation, electronic gamingmachines (also known as slot machines), cell phones, tablets, PDAs,laptop computers, and smart watches. It should be recognized thatcomputers or computing devices may be implemented as one or more virtualmachines, virtual servers, and/or any other virtual device. A server isanother type of computer that may receive network connections from acomputer or a plurality of computers or other computing devices.

As used herein, the term “module” or “program module” refers to acomputer program, dataset, and/or instruction set that, when executed bya processor, performs the functions described herein. In one embodiment,the module may be included within a computer program, or may beconnected to a computer program in any suitable manner. Any computerreadable instructions may be programmed or hard-coded in a device, suchas a gaming device, in any suitable manner.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 that may be used to executemethods described herein to play one or more games of chance, such asbingo or keno. The games of chance may be played by a player againstother players, or may be played by the player against the house.

System 100 is operated using components and devices within one or moregaming establishments 102, such as a first gaming establishment 104 anda second gaming establishment 106. It should be recognized that anysuitable number of gaming establishments 102 may be provided withinsystem 100. Accordingly, system 100 is not limited to including twogaming establishments 102 as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment,gaming establishments 102 are locations in which devices (e.g., gamingdevices) that play or operate at least a portion of the game of chanceare located. For example, gaming establishments 102 may be casinos,racetracks, bingo halls, or any other establishments. In anotherexample, gaming establishments 102 may be residences or businesses inwhich one or more devices are located for playing or operating the gameof chance. Gaming establishments 102 may additionally or alternativelyinclude any combination of the examples described herein.

In one embodiment, gaming establishments 102 are physically remote fromeach other and are communicatively connected to at least one network108, such as a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network(MAN), and/or the Internet, for example. Alternatively, gamingestablishments 102 may be separate rooms or sections of a casino oranother facility that are communicatively connected together by network108.

In one embodiment, each gaming establishment 102 includes a local gameserver 110 (referred to herein as a “local server”) and a player rewardserver 112. Local server 110 is coupled to a plurality of gaming devices114 through an internal network 116, such as a private local areanetwork (LAN) within gaming establishment 102, for example. Gamingdevices 114 may be located in separate gaming establishments 102, orwithin the same gaming establishment 102. In one embodiment, a gateway118 is provided to enable local server 110 of each gaming establishment102 to securely connect to network 108.

In one embodiment, local server 110 is a server computer (or “server”)that monitors and controls the games played on gaming devices 114,including local games. In one embodiment, the local games include gamesthat are played against the house and/or that are played against otherplayers within gaming establishment 102.

In addition, local server 110 may administer other background tasks thatenable games to be played on gaming devices 114. For example, localserver 110 may facilitate authenticating gaming devices 114 and theplayers using gaming devices 114, and may facilitate allocating paymentsor credits between players and the house. Local server 110 may includepayment processing capabilities to enable players to receive electronicfunds from a bank or another financial institution or to depositelectronic funds to the bank or financial institution. Alternatively,the payment processing capabilities may be included in a separate serveror another device that is communicatively connected to local server 110.In addition, local server 110 may interface with player reward server112 to facilitate tracking and administering player rewards. Each gamingdevice 114, group of gaming devices 114, local servers 110, remoteservers 112, or the like may collect and/or generate data desired foraccounting purposes, such as for use in slot accounting systems.

In one embodiment, local server 110 may enable gaming devices 114 withingaming establishment 102 to participate in one or more games that shareone or more progressive or pari-mutuel prizes with other gamingestablishments 102 and/or gaming devices 114. For convenience,progressive and pari-mutual prizes will be collectively referred to as“progressive prizes” unless otherwise specified. In such an embodiment,each local server 110 may be coupled to a wide area progressive (WAP)server 120 that administers the prizes. For example, WAP server 120receives data from each local server 110 and/or from gaming devices 114regarding an amount wagered by each player playing the game. WAP server120 may allocate a portion of each wager to the prizes and maycommunicate the current prize amounts to local servers 110 and/or togaming devices 114.

Gaming devices 114 include one or more kiosks or electronic gamingmachines (EGMs) (also known as “slot machines”). Gaming devices 114 mayalso include one or more mobile gaming devices 122, such as, withoutlimitation, cellular phones, tablet computing devices, and/or laptops.Mobile gaming devices 122 may connect to local server 110, WAP server120, and network 108 via a wireless data network represented by celltower 124. For example, mobile gaming devices 122 may connect to anysuitable network 108 (and thereby to local servers 110 and/or WAP server120) via a “3G” or a “4G” wireless data network. For convenience, gamingdevices 114 described herein may also include mobile gaming devices 122.

During operation, the player utilizes or selects a gaming device 114 andinitiates a gaming session for playing one or more games of chance(“games”). Optionally, player enters a player reward number or otheridentification information into gaming device 114. If the identificationinformation is entered, gaming device 114 transmits the identificationinformation to local server 110 for authentication, or authenticationmay be accomplished locally within gaming device 114. Local server 110communicates with player reward server 112 to establish the player'sidentity and to associate the gameplay with the player account. Localserver 110 authenticates the player and gaming device 114 and authorizesthe player to play the game or games on gaming device 114 if desired orrequired.

When play of the game is initiated, during selection of the game, orduring play of the game, the player may be required to purchase orgenerate credits. The player may purchase or generate credits byinserting cash or a ticket-in-ticket-out voucher into gaming device 114or another device. Alternatively or additionally, the player maytransfer credits or cash to gaming device 114 from banking accounts,credit accounts, gaming establishment accounts, and/or gaming companyaccounts. In one embodiment, computer-generated credits may be used withgaming device 114, for example, as part of a free-to-play game.

The player selects a game to play and enters a wager on gaming device114. Gaming device 114 transmits data representative of the selectedgame and the wager to local server 110. If the player selects a gamethat is at least partially operated by WAP server 120 or that includesone or more progressive prizes administered by WAP server 120, localserver 110 transmits the wager and game information and/or selection toWAP server 120. WAP server 120 may increment the progressive prizesbased on the wager received from the player and may communicate theupdated prize amounts via network 108 to all other players (viaassociated gaming devices 114) playing to win the progressive prizes.

The player plays the game on gaming device 114. The following gameplayis described as being administered by WAP server 120. However, it shouldbe recognized that the gameplay (i.e., the play of the game of chance)may be alternatively or additionally administered by local server 110and/or gaming device 114. For example, if gaming device 114 is acellular phone or a tablet computing device, the gameplay may beadministered through an application installed on gaming device 114.

In one embodiment, the player may play a game of bingo by selecting agame or game type, one or more player cards, selecting one or morewinning patterns for the player cards, and/or selecting one or morenumbers or other player indicia for the player cards using gaming device114. The selected player cards, winning patterns, and player indicia aretransmitted to WAP server 120. The player cards are included within oneor more game tickets issued by WAP server 120, and the game tickets arecommunicated to gaming device 114 via network 108 and local server 110.WAP server 120 selects or receives randomly generated house indicia andcompares the house indicia to the player indicia and the pattern orpatterns selected for the player cards. Alternatively, the functionsdescribed herein (e.g., comparing the house indicia to the playerindicia and the pattern or patterns selected for the player card) may beperformed in gaming device 114. It should be recognized that the houseindicia may be randomly generated using a randomization device, such ashardware, firmware, and/or software-based random number generator (RNG),a ball blower or console, a ball cage, and/or any other suitable deviceor machine that enables numbers or other house indicia to be randomlygenerated. In an alternative embodiment, WAP server 120 (or anotherdevice) may designate a server, computer, or another device to providerandomly selected house indicia during the game, and may receive thehouse indicia from the designated device.

WAP server 120 determines whether the player wins a prize based on thecomparison of the house indicia to the player indicia. For example, WAPserver 120 determines whether the player indicia within the pattern orpatterns selected for each card match the house indicia that wererandomly determined (sometimes also referred to as the house indiciathat were “called”). If the player indicia within a pattern match thecalled house indicia, the player wins a prize based on a pay tableassociated with the game. The prize may be one of the progressive prizesor the prize may be a fixed prize identified in the pay table. WAPserver 120 determines the appropriate payout to be paid to the playerbased on the pay table and transmits data representative of the payoutto local server 110.

Local server 110 receives the payout data and credits the player accountaccordingly. In addition, local server 110 may transmit the gameplaydata and/or payout data to player reward server 112 to enable playerreward server 112 to update the player history and other gameplay datafor the player. When the player is done playing, the player may “cashout” some or all of the credits in the player account or may deposit thecredits into the player account. The player account may be stored ongaming device 114, local server 110, or player reward server 112, forexample.

In one embodiment, the player may enter the wager and/or may initiateplay of the game on a first gaming device 114 and may complete thegameplay on a second gaming device 114. Alternatively, the player playsthe game on first gaming device 114 and receives the results of thegameplay (e.g., whether the player won and how much the winnings are) onsecond gaming device 114. For example, the player may begin playing thegame on a kiosk or electronic gaming machine, and may complete the gameor view the results of the game on a cell phone. In such an embodiment,WAP server 120 and/or local server 110 may transmit the player'sgameplay data from the 1st gaming device 114 to the second gaming device114.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another system 200 that may be used toexecute methods described herein to play one or more games of chance,such as bingo or keno. Unless otherwise specified, system 200 is similarto system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) and similar components are labeled inFIG. 2 with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, system 200 includes a plurality ofgaming devices 114 that are positioned in a plurality of gamingestablishments 102. Gaming devices 114 may connect to network 108without using a local server 110 (shown in FIG. 1), and may connect toWAP server 120 and/or to player reward server 112 through network 108.For example, gaming devices 114 may be playing one or moreInternet-based games that connect to WAP server 120 through a webserver. In some embodiments, one or more gaming devices 114 may connectto WAP server 120 and/or to player reward server 112 through a wirelessdata network as described above. Accordingly, gaming devices 114interact with WAP server 120 to play the game, and WAP server 120performs the game administration and other tasks handled by local server110 as described above in FIG. 1. In other respects, system 200 performsin a similar manner as described above.

During operation, the player utilizes or selects a gaming device 114 andinitiates a gaming session to play one or more games on gaming device114. Player enters a player reward number or other identificationinformation into gaming device 114. Gaming device 114 transmits theidentification information to player reward server 112 to establish theplayer's identity and to associate the gameplay with the player account.Player reward server 112 authenticates the player and gaming device 114and authorizes the player to play the game on gaming device 114. In oneembodiment, gaming device 114 also transmits the identificationinformation to WAP server 120 to enable WAP server 120 to associate theplayer with the game to be played. As previously described, playeridentification or authentication may be optional.

In another embodiment, WAP server 120 authenticates the player using theplayer identification information in addition to, or instead of, theauthentication performed by player reward server 112. In someembodiments, player reward server 112 is omitted and the functions ofplayer reward server 112 are incorporated within WAP server 120.

The player selects a game to play and enters a wager using gaming device114. If the player selects a game that is operated by WAP server 120 orthat includes one or more progressive prizes administered by WAP server120, gaming device 114 transmits the wager and game selection to WAPserver 120. WAP server 120 may increment the progressive prizes based onthe wager received from the player and may communicate the updated prizeamounts via network 108 to all other players (via associated gamingdevices 114) playing to win the progressive prizes.

The player plays the game on gaming device 114. The following gameplayis described as being administered by WAP server 120. However, it shouldbe recognized that the gameplay may be alternatively or additionallyadministered by gaming device 114. For example, if gaming device 114 isa cellular phone or a tablet computing device, the gameplay may beadministered through an application installed on gaming device 114. Itshould be recognized that gameplay may be alternatively or additionallyadministered by gaming device 114 if desired.

In one embodiment, the player may play a game of bingo by selecting oneor more player cards, selecting one or more winning patterns for theplayer cards, and/or selecting one or more numbers or other playerindicia for the player cards using gaming device 114. In anotherembodiment, the player may play a game of keno by selecting one or moreplayer cards and selecting one or more numbers or other player indiciafor the player cards using gaming device 114. The selected player cards,winning patterns (for example, in the bingo embodiment), and playerindicia are transmitted to WAP server 120. The player cards are includedwithin one or more game tickets issued by WAP server 120, and the gametickets are communicated to gaming device 114 via network 108 and localserver 110. WAP server 120 selects or receives randomly generated houseindicia and compares the house indicia to the player indicia and thepattern or patterns selected for the player cards. It should berecognized that the house indicia may be randomly generated using arandomization device, such as hardware, firmware, and/or software-basedrandom number generator (RNG), a ball blower or console, a ball cage,and/or any other suitable device or machine that enables numbers orother house indicia to be randomly generated.

WAP server 120 determines whether the player wins a prize based on thecomparison of the house indicia to the player indicia. For example, inan embodiment in which the player plays a game of bingo, WAP server 120determines whether the player indicia within the pattern or patternsselected for each card match the house indicia that were randomlydetermined. If the player indicia within a pattern match the calledhouse indicia, the player wins a prize based on a pay table associatedwith the game. In an embodiment in which the player plays a game ofkeno, WAP server 120 determines whether the player indicia selected foreach card match the house indicia that were randomly determined. If apredetermined number of the player indicia match the called houseindicia, the player wins a prize based on a pay table associated withthe game. The prize may be one of the progressive prizes or the prizemay be a fixed prize identified in the pay table. WAP server 120determines the appropriate payout to be paid to the player based on thepay table and transmits data representative of the payout to gamingdevice 114 for display to the player.

WAP server 120 also credits the player account to reflect the prize thatwas won by the player. In addition, WAP server 120 may transmit thegameplay or payout data to player reward server 112 to enable playerreward server 112 to update the player history and other gameplay datafor the player. When the player is done playing, the player may “cashout” some or all of the credits in the player account and/or gamingdevice 114 or may deposit the credits in the player's account.

In one embodiment, the player may enter the wager and/or may initiateplay of the game on a first gaming device 114 and may complete thegameplay on a second gaming device 114. Alternatively, the player playsthe game on first gaming device 114 and receives the results of thegameplay (e.g., whether the player won and how much the winnings are) onsecond gaming device 114. For example, the player may begin playing thegame on a kiosk or electronic gaming machine, and may complete the gameor view the results of the game on a cell phone. The game completion maybe for a game currently being played, or may be for one or more futuregames (i.e., one or more games that have not yet started. For example,the player may enter sufficient credits or other consideration intogaming device 114 to purchase gameplay for a plurality of future gamesthat use the same player card or that use other preselected or randomplayer cards. The player may then complete one or more of the futuregames on another gaming device 114 (or any other suitable device) and/ormay receive the result of one or more of the future games on anothergaming device 114 (or any other suitable gaming device).

In one embodiment, the player may purchase any number of future games(i.e., games to be played in the future) by entering a wager, a numberof cards to play for each game, and a number of games to play. Afterinserting sufficient cash or credits to pay for the games, WAP server120 or another device or machine that is administering the game (such asgaming device 114) may automatically display the called house indiciafor each game and a result of each game to the player. The player maywatch the results of the game in real time, or may view the results at alater time, for example, by viewing a summary of the game results. Theplayer may view the results (in real time or later) on the same gamingdevice 114 used to initiate the games and enter the wagers, on anothergaming device 114, or on any other suitable device.

In another embodiment, such as an embodiment in which the game isadministered through an application installed on a cell phone, a tabletcomputing device, or another gaming device 114, WAP server 120 onlyadministers the progressive prizes, or some or all prizes associatedwith the game being played. In such an embodiment, gaming device 114randomly selects the house indicia using a randomization device includedwithin, or connected to, gaming device 114. In addition, gaming device114 may determine whether the player indicia within the player selectedpattern match the house indicia, thus determining whether the playerwins a prize. Gaming device 114 may transmit the results of the game toWAP server 120. The results of the game may include, for example, anindication whether the player won, the house indicia randomly selected,the player indicia selected, the player pattern selected, the number ofball calls that were required to match the house indicia to the playerindicia, and/or any other aspect of the game.

In one embodiment, WAP server 120 confirms the result of the game beforeawarding the prize to the player. For example, WAP server 120 maydetermine whether the house indicia match the player indicia within theplayer selected pattern independently of the game result reported bygaming device 114.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computing device 300 that may be usedwith system 100 (FIG. 1) or system 200 (shown in FIG. 2). Morespecifically, one or more gaming devices, servers, or other devicesdescribed in system 100 or system 200 may be implemented as a computingdevice 300. For example, local server 110, WAP server 120, player rewardserver 112, gaming devices 114, and/or mobile gaming devices 122 may becomputing devices 300.

Computing device 300 includes a plurality of computing device components302, such as a processor 304, a computer-readable memory device 306, anda communication interface 308. In one embodiment, computing device 300may also include a display 310, a user interface 312, and/or an audiooutput device 314. It should be recognized that memory device 306,communication interface 308, display 310, and user interface 312 (ifprovided) may be connected to processor 304 and/or to each other via anysuitable bus or busses, interfaces, or other mechanisms.

Processor 304 includes any suitable programmable circuit including oneor more microcontrollers, microprocessors, application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), systems on a chip (SoCs), programmablelogic circuits (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and/orany other circuit capable of executing the functions described herein.The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended tolimit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “processor.”

Memory device 306 includes transitory or non-transitory computerreadable medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory(RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a compactdisc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable memory. Memory device306 may include data as well as instructions that are executable byprocessor 304 to program processor 304 to perform functions describedherein. For example, the methods described herein may be performed byone or more processors 304 executing instructions stored within one ormore memory devices 306.

Communication interface 308 may include, without limitation, a networkinterface controller (NIC) or adapter, a radio frequency (RF)transceiver, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) interfacecontroller, or any other communication device that enables computingdevice 300 to operate as described herein. In one embodiment,communication interface 308 may connect to communication interfaces 308of other computing devices 300 of system 100 or system 200 throughnetwork 108 or another network using any suitable wireless or wiredcommunication protocol.

Display 310 may include, without limitation, a liquid crystal display(LCD), a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), aplasma display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a projectiondisplay, and/or any suitable visual output device capable of displayinggraphical data and text to a user. For example, display 310 may be usedto display a graphical user interface to a player or an administrator,one or more images associated with a game such as bingo, keno, oranother game of chance, player statistics, gameplay data, and/or anyother suitable data.

User interface 312 may include, without limitation, a keyboard, akeypad, a touch screen, a mouse, a scroll wheel, a pointing device, anaudio input device employing speech-recognition software, a video inputdevice that registers movement of a user, and/or any other suitabledevice that enables the user to input data into computing device 300and/or retrieve data from computing device 300.

Audio output device 314 may include, without limitation, one or morespeakers, or any other device that enables data to be audibly outputfrom computing device 300. For example, gameplay data and/or music maybe audibly output from audio output device 314. In addition, if theplayer wins a prize, audio output device 314 may be used to alert theplayer and/or others about the win.

While the foregoing computing device components 302 have been describedas being included within a computing device 300, it should be recognizedthat at least some computing devices 300 may not include each component302. For example, a computing device 300 may not include audio outputdevice 314. In addition, a computing device 300 may include any suitablenumber of each individual computing device component 302. For example, acomputing device 300 may include a plurality of processors 304 orprocessor cores, a plurality of memory devices 306 (of the same ordifferent types, sizes, etc.), and/or a plurality of displays 310.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary gaming device 114 that may beused with system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) or system 200 (shown in FIG. 2).As described above, gaming device 114 is a computing device 300 thatincludes a plurality of computing device components 302. In addition,gaming device 114 may include a plurality of gaming device components402 including a bill acceptor 404, a card reader 406, a barcode scanner408, a printer 410, an intrusion detection system 412, a randomizationdevice 414, and an accounting interface 416.

It should be recognized that in some embodiments, a gaming device 114may not include each gaming device component 402 illustrated in FIG. 4.For example, if gaming device 114 is a cellular phone, gaming device 114may not include bill acceptor 404, card reader 406, barcode scanner 408,and/or printer 410. Rather, in some embodiments, the functions of eachomitted gaming device component 402 may be replaced by equivalentsoftware, hardware, and/or firmware if desired. Optional components maybe designated using dashed lines in the figures.

Bill acceptor 404 is a device that enables gaming device 114 to receiveand identify paper currency. For example, bill acceptor 404 may receiveand identify dollar bills that are inserted into bill acceptor 404. Inone embodiment, bill acceptor 404 includes a scanner that scans papercurrency inserted therein. Bill acceptor 404 may also include opticalcharacter recognition (OCR) capabilities that enable bill acceptor 404to identify the amount of currency inserted into bill acceptor 404 froma scanned image of the currency. Bill acceptor 404 may transmit datarepresentative of the amount of currency inserted into gaming device 114to processor 304, for example. Processor 304 may cause the amount ofcurrency to be converted into credits usable with the game, and may addthe credits to the player's account.

Card reader 406 is a device that “reads,” or obtains data encoded in,player reward cards or other cards or media that are inserted intoreader 406. In one embodiment, card reader 406 is a magnetic card readerthat reads barcodes or magnetic strips included within a player rewardcard. In another embodiment, card reader 406 wirelessly reads dataencoded within the player reward card by accessing a chip, such as aradio frequency identification (RFID) chip, embedded within the card.Card reader 406 decodes the data obtained from the cards and transmitsthe decoded data to processor 304. In one embodiment, card reader 406 isused to read player identification information encoded within playerreward cards. Processor 304 may transmit the player identificationinformation to player reward server 112 to identify the player, to allowfor the transfer of funds or credits, to facilitate authenticating theplayer, and/or to authorize the player to play a game on gaming device114. In one embodiment, the player may “log in” to gaming device 114 byswiping the player reward card or otherwise passing the player rewardcard through, or inserting the player reward card within, card reader406. In another embodiment, the player may enter a number or otheridentifier associated with the player reward card into gaming device114, through user interface 312 for example, instead of using cardreader 406. In another embodiment, the insertion of the player rewardcard and player entering the identifier into user interface 312 may becombined. In yet another embodiment, the player may use a near fieldcommunication (NFC) device, such as an NFC device incorporated withincommunication interface 308, to read the player reward card or datarepresentative of the player card.

In one embodiment, barcode scanner 408 is an optical or a magneticscanner that is optimized to read barcodes on media positioned proximateto scanner 408. For example, barcode scanner 408 may be optimized toread barcodes printed on paper receipts (sometimes referred to as“tickets,” not to be confused with game or bingo tickets that mayinclude player selected patterns, player indicia, and the like) and/orbarcodes displayed electronically on a cell phone or tablet computingdevice. It should be recognized that the barcodes read by barcodescanner 408 may be linear or one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensionalbarcodes, or may even include data represented in a form other than abarcode. For example, barcode scanner 408 may read images and/or textindicative of data, such as currency or credits, usable with gamingdevice 114. Barcode scanner 408 extracts the data from the barcode andtransmits the data to processor 304. For example, barcode scanner 408may scan a paper receipt or voucher that includes an amount of currencyor credits usable by the player with a gaming device 114 and maytransmit the amount of credits to processor 304. Processor 304 may causethe amount of currency or credits to be displayed to the player ondisplay 310 to inform the player how many credits or currency isavailable to be used in playing a game.

Printer 410 may be used to print paper receipts (also known as ticketsas described above) that indicate an amount of currency or creditsavailable to the player. In many locations, the tickets or receipts mayalternatively be referred to as vouchers. In one embodiment, printer 410is a thermal printer that is fed by a roll of paper or any suitablepaper stock. In a further embodiment, the roll of paper includes one ormore watermarks that are visible when printer 410 has printed thereceipt on the paper. Alternatively, printer 410 may print the watermarkon the receipt, or may include another security mechanism to facilitatepreventing counterfeit receipts from being made. For example, printer410 may include an image or a code on the receipt that identifies gamingdevice 114, printer 410, or another component of gaming device 114 alongwith a time that the receipt was printed. Other suitable securitymechanisms may be used as well. It should be recognized that barcodescanner 408 and printer 410 may cooperate such that a security mechanismprinted on the receipt may be received and validated by barcode scanner408, in conjunction with processor 304, for example. Barcode scanner 408may be located remotely from gaming device 114, such as within aredemption kiosk, a casino cage, or the like.

Intrusion detection system 412 notifies processor 304 if a case,cabinet, or other housing enclosing components of gaming device 114 isopened or modified without authorization. In one embodiment, intrusiondetection system 412 includes a pair of contacts that transmit anelectronic signal to processor 304 if the housing of gaming device 114is opened (e.g., if the opening of the housing separates the contacts).In another embodiment, intrusion detection system 412 may include alight sensor that detects a change in the light within the housing ofgaming device 114. Intrusion detection system 412 may also include a keyor another mechanism for disabling the transmission of the signal toprocessor 304 in the event that maintenance or other authorized accessto gaming device 114 components is desired.

In one embodiment, intrusion detection system 412 includes a softwareprogram (a “monitoring program”) that monitors one or more applicationsinstalled on gaming device 114. For example, if gaming device 114 is acell phone that includes an application for playing the game thereon,the monitoring program may monitor the application to determine whetherthe application is modified without authorization. In one embodiment,the monitoring program stores a hash value or a digital fingerprint ofthe application when the application is installed and/or when theapplication undergoes authorized modification (e.g., if the applicationis updated or patched). However, if the monitoring program determinesthat the application has been modified without authorization, themonitoring program may cause a signal or another notification to betransmitted to processor 304. For example, the monitoring program mayperiodically calculate a new hash value of the application and/or createa new digital fingerprint of the application. The monitoring programthen compares the new hash value and/or digital fingerprint to thestored hash value and/or digital fingerprint. If the hash values orfingerprints are different, the monitoring program may determine thatthe application has been modified without authorization. It should beunderstood that the hash value, the monitoring program, and/or thedigital fingerprint may be generated by any suitable means and may beencrypted for additional security.

In response to the signal or notification from intrusion detectionsystem 412 and/or the modification program, processor 304 may performone or more actions. For example, processor 304 may alert anadministrator within gaming establishment 102 by transmitting a messagevia communication interface 308, may cause audio output device 314 toemit an alarm or another audible alert, may cause display 310 to displayan error or a warning, and/or may disable the application and/or gamingdevice 114 such that the game is unable to be played on gaming device114.

In one embodiment, randomization device 414 is an electronic randomnumber generator (RNG) 414 or a permutation generator that may beimplemented by a dedicated hardware device with associated embeddedsoftware. Alternatively, RNG 414 or the permutation generator may beimplemented entirely in software executing on gaming device 114. In oneembodiment, RNG 414 or the permutation generator provides house or gamedraws of between 1 and n numbers, where n may be a suitable number basedon the game type selected to be played by the player. RNG 414 or thepermutation generator may be programmed via hardware, software, orfirmware to provide a particular range of numbers (or other indicia) andnumbers of draws for a particular application. For example, in oneembodiment of bingo according to the present disclosure, RNG 414 or thepermutation generator initially provides 24 randomly generated numbershaving values between 1 and 75 for each game. Additional draws ornumbers may be provided to play the game to conclusion depending on theparticular implementation as described in greater detail herein. Inaddition, RNG 414 or the permutation generator may be used to randomlyselect a plurality of player indicia to be used with one or more playercards. In embodiments in which a processor, such as processor 304, isdescribed as randomly selecting indicia, it should be recognized thatprocessor 304 may interface with randomization device 414 or thepermutation generator to select the indicia. In other embodiments,processor 304 may include randomization device 414 or the permutationgenerator, or may execute instructions to perform the functions ofrandomization device 414 or the permutation generator.

Accounting interface 416 is used to interface with an accounting system,such as a slot accounting system, at or operated by a gamingestablishment 104. Accounting interface 416 may include or be connectedto a network interface, such as communication interface 308 for use incommunicating gameplay data, player identification information, and/orother data to the accounting system for accounting and/or auditingpurposes.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a plurality of program modules 500 that maybe used with system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) or system 200 (shown in FIG.2) to administer one or more games of chance, such as bingo or keno. Inone embodiment, program modules 500 are installed and/or stored withinlocal server 110, WAP server 120, and/or gaming devices 114. Forexample, program modules 500 may be stored in memory device 306 of localserver 110, WAP server 120, and/or gaming devices 114.

Program modules 500 are hardware, firmware, or software programs orapplications that, when executed by processor 304 of local server 110,WAP server 120, and/or gaming device 114, cause processor 304 to performthe functions described herein. In one embodiment, program modules 500include a wrapper program module 502, a plurality of game modules 504, apay table module 506, a progressive prize module 508, a local prizemodule 510, a flashboard module 512, and/or an accounting module 513. Afirst plurality 514 of program modules 500 may be installed within eachlocal server 110 and/or WAP server 120 and a second plurality 516 ofprogram modules 500 may be installed within each gaming device 114. Itshould be recognized that in embodiments in which the game of chance isadministered by gaming device 114 (e.g., when a cell phone or a tabletcomputing device is used as gaming device 114), some or all of the firstplurality 514 of program modules 500 may be incorporated within gamingdevice 114 and executed by processor 304 of gaming device 114.Alternatively, some or all of the second plurality 516 of programmodules 500 may be incorporated within local server 110 and/or WAPserver 120. Together, wrapper program module 502, game modules 504, andother program modules 500 that present and/or administer one or moregames may be referred to herein as a game application, or anapplication.

In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 is used at least in partto provide a graphical user interface (GUI) on display 310 of gamingdevice 114. Wrapper program module 502 operates to provide an entrypoint or a game entry interface for a player to access gaming device114, and to enable the player to select a game of chance to be played ongaming device 114. For example, the games of chance may be categorizedinto a plurality of game sizes and a plurality of game variations.Wrapper program module 502 may present the game sizes and the gamevariations to the player, using display 310, and may enable the playerto select a game to play by selecting a game size and game variationthrough user interface 312.

In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 may present a list ofplayer card sizes (i.e., game sizes or matrices), such as 3×3, 4×4, and5×5, to the player for selection on display 310. In addition, wrapperprogram module 502 may present a list of bingo games or game variationsto the player for selection on display 310. Alternatively, the game sizeand game variation may be combined into one selectable icon, such as anicon representing a first variation of 3×3 bingo or a second variationof 5×5 bingo variation. If the player selects a size and variation,wrapper program module 502 calls or branches to a game module 504 thatprovides the selected game size and variation.

In one embodiment, game modules 504 each provide a game associated withthe selected game size and game variation to the player using gamingdevice 114, local server 110, and/or WAP server 120. Accordingly, in oneembodiment, each game is provided by a separate game module 504.Alternatively, each game module 504 may provide more than one game tothe player.

Pay table module 506 provides a pay table associated with each game suchthat one or more pay tables may be associated with each game module 504.In one embodiment, pay table module 506 provides a pay table associatedwith a game when game module 504 requests the pay table and/or when apredetermined event occurs during the game. Pay tables associated with agame may be changed as desired by a game operator by any suitable means.The predetermined event may include, for example, the player selecting a“See Pays” or another icon displayed on display 310 that represents arequest to view the pay table for the game. The predetermined event mayalso include reaching a point in the game in which the house indicia arematched to the player indicia within a selected pattern to determinewhether the player wins a prize.

Progressive prize module 508 may be used to administer aspects of one ormore progressive prizes, such as one or more progressive prizes offeredto players playing across network 108. For example, progressive prizemodule 508 may receive information regarding an amount wagered by eachplayer playing a game that has a chance to win the progressive prize.Progressive prize module 508 may allocate a first portion of each wagerto a first progressive prize to increase the size of the progressiveprize. Progressive prize module 508 may allocate a second portion ofeach wager to a second progressive prize, and may continue in a similarmanner for any additional progressive prizes, if desired or applicable.Accordingly, a plurality of progressive prizes may be provided for eachgame and may be at least partially funded by each wager.

Local prize module 510 may be used to administer aspects of one or morelocal prizes, such as one or more prizes that may be won by playersplaying against each other within a gaming establishment 102. Inaddition, local prize module 510 may administer aspects of one or morefixed prizes, such as prizes that may be won only by individual playersplaying on respective gaming devices 114. Accordingly, fixed prizes maybe awarded to a player based on the gameplay of the player againstrandomization device 414 of gaming device 114, rather than based onwinning against other players.

In one embodiment, flashboard module 512 may be used to display calledbingo numbers or other house indicia within one or more gamingestablishments. In another embodiment, flashboard module 512 may be usedto display called bingo number, keno numbers, or other house indicia ongaming devices 114 themselves, for example, on display 310 during playof the game. Flashboard module 512 may cause the house indicia to bedisplayed as a rectangular matrix of spaces (sometimes referred to as a“flashboard”). For bingo games played utilizing 75 numbers or indicia,the letters B, I, N, G, and O may be pre-printed above five verticalcolumns of the matrix with one letter appearing above each column toassist players in more quickly locating a called number on theircard(s). For 75 number bingo games, the numbers printed on the card arecommonly arranged as follows: 1 to 15 in the B column, 16 to 30 in the Icolumn, 31 to 45 in the N column, 46 to 60 in the G column, and 61 to 75in the O column. However, other arrangements of the flashboard may beused instead of the arrangement described herein.

Accounting module 513 may be used to interface with an accountingsystem, such as a slot accounting system, at or operated by a gamingestablishment 104. In one embodiment, accounting module 513 isincorporated within, or executed by, accounting interface 416. Anysuitable data, such as gameplay data, player identification information,an amount of prizes won by a player, and/or any other suitable data maybe collected and transmitted by accounting module 513.

For keno games played utilizing 80 number or indicia, the numbers may bearranged sequentially in a matrix such that numbers 1-10 appearsequentially in a first row, the numbers 11-20 appear sequentially in asecond row below the first row, the numbers 21-30 appear sequentially ina third row below the second row, and so on. It should be recognizedthat embodiments of keno games having a different number of playerindicia (or spots) may be used, such as 49 or 25 spots.

It should be recognized that two or more program modules 500 may becombined together such that the functionality of each program module 500is incorporated into the combined module. Likewise, each program module500 may be split into two or more sub-modules that each perform aportion of the functionality of the program module 500 being split.Accordingly, while the above-described program modules 500 are describedindividually, each may be combined or split into other sub-modules asdesired.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 of playing a game of chance that may beused with system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) or system 200 (shown in FIG. 2).In one embodiment, method 600 is implemented by one or more processorsof a computing device 300 (shown in FIG. 3), such as local server 110,WAP server 120, and/or gaming device 114 (shown in FIG. 1). It should berecognized that any steps of the embodiments and methods describedherein may be optional, and the order of the steps may be changed asdesired.

A player who desires to play a game of chance on a gaming device 114enters player identification information into gaming device 114. Theplayer identification information may include, for example, a playerrewards card number, a username and password, a driver's license number,and/or any other information that enables the player to be identified bya gaming establishment 102 operating or providing the game. The gamingoperator or gaming establishment may allow play without entering orproviding player identification to allow play with voided,malfunctioning, or unreadable player identification information, or withmalfunctioning card readers. Alternatively, the gaming operator orgaming establishment may decide that no player identificationinformation is required. The player is identified 602 by a server, suchas local server 110, player reward server 112, and/or WAP server 120,using gaming device 114. For example, gaming device 114 transmits theplayer identification information to the server and the server comparesthe player identification information with a list of known or approvedplayers that may be indexed or categorized by player identificationinformation. If the server identifies the player as a known or approvedplayer, the server transmits a message to gaming device 114 authorizinggaming device 114 to present the game to the player. In one embodiment,the server identifying the player and authorizing the presentation ofthe game (e.g., local server 110 or player reward server 112) is adifferent server than the server providing the game (e.g., WAP server120). In such an embodiment, the server identifying the player transmitsa message to the server providing the game to enable or authorize thegame to be played on gaming device 114.

A game entry interface or entry point is presented 604 to the player ongaming device 114. For example, gaming device 114 loads wrapper programmodule 502 from memory device 306 and presents a graphical userinterface (GUI) to the player on display 310 of gaming device 114 usingwrapper program module 502. Wrapper program module 502 enables 606 theplayer to select a game to be played from a plurality of games presentedon the game entry interface. In addition, wrapper program module 502 mayenable 606 the player to select one or more game matrices to be used inthe game. In one embodiment, the player selects a game by selecting agame size and a game variety that the player wishes to play. Forexample, the player may select a game by selecting an iconrepresentative of a 4×4 Super Wild Bingo game, where 4×4 is the size ofthe bingo game card and Super Wild Bingo is the game variety. As anotherexample, the player may select a game by selecting an iconrepresentative of an 80 number (or spot) keno game such as Super WildKeno. It should be recognized that the player may select the numberand/or arrangement of spots or player indicia to be included in the cardor cards used in the game or this may be accomplished automatically viaa quick pick selection. In addition, more complex games and indiciaselection may be available in advance or “way” ticket embodiments.

When play of the game is initiated, during selection of the game, orduring play of the game, the player may be required to purchase orgenerate credits. The player may purchase or generate credits byinserting cash or a ticket-in-ticket-out voucher into gaming device 114or another device. Alternatively or additionally, the player maytransfer credits or cash to gaming device 114 from banking accounts,credit accounts, gaming establishment accounts, and/or gaming companyaccounts. In one embodiment, computer-generated credits may be used withgaming device 114, for example, as part of a free-to-play game.

The player is enabled 608 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $1 as a wager for theselected game. The wager represents an amount of money to be wagered foreach player card used or “played” by the player during the game. Gamingdevice 114 may determine 609 whether sufficient credits are available inthe player account for the selected wager. If sufficient credits are notavailable, the player is prompted to insert 610 cash or credits into theplayer account.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account, in bingoembodiments, the player is enabled 611 to select a pattern (alsoreferred to as a “winning pattern”) and is enabled 612 to select anumber of cards to be played during the game. In other embodiments, suchas embodiments in which a keno game is played, the player does notselect a pattern, but is enabled 612 to select a number of cards to beplayed and/or the number of player indicia to be played during the game.

In one embodiment, the player is also enabled 614 to select some or allof the player indicia for each player card. In keno embodiments, theplayer may select each player indicia to be matched during the game, orthe player may request that some or all of the player indicia berandomly selected by randomization device 414 or another suitable devicevia a quick pick selection. In bingo embodiments, the player may selectthe player indicia to be matched within the pattern selected by theplayer, and/or the player may select only a portion of the playerindicia within the pattern selected by the player or the player mayrequest an entirely new card to be obtained or generated byrandomization device 414. If the player does not select all the playerindicia for a card, any remaining spaces of the player card are filledwith randomly selected player indicia. The player selections of thewager, the winning pattern, the number of cards, and the player indiciamay be communicated from gaming device 114 to another computing device300, such as local server 110 and/or WAP server 120, through network108, for example.

A game ticket for the player is issued 616 to gaming device 114 by localserver 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing the selected game. Thegame ticket includes the player cards selected by the player and theamount wagered for each card for the game. As described above, the gameticket may be electronic or paper-based, for example. The game ispresented 618 to the player by gaming device 114 on display 310. In oneembodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads a game module504 associated with the selected game, and the selected game module 504presents 618 the selected game to the player.

During play of the game, a plurality of house indicia is selected 620using randomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAP server 120.Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the game is administered bygaming device 114, randomization device 414 of gaming device 114 is usedto select the house indicia. The house indicia that have been selectedare compared with the player indicia on each player card to determine622 whether the house indicia match the player indicia within theselected pattern. If a pattern is not matched for a player card (i.e.,if each player indicia within the pattern has not been matched by houseindicia that have been selected), the game continues unless it isdetermined 624 that a predetermined number of house indicia has beenselected. In one embodiment, the predetermined number of house indiciais 60 such that the game ends after 60 house indicia have been selected.

In one embodiment, a first plurality of house indicia, such as 24numbers, is initially determined (e.g., called or randomly selected) andthe first plurality of house indicia are compared with the playerindicia within the selected pattern to determine if the pattern ismatched. If no match occurs, or if the game continues after a match hasoccurred, additional house indicia are selected and the player indiciawithin the pattern are compared to the house indicia (e.g., the firstplurality of house indicia and the additional selected house indicia)after each additional house indicia is selected. The game may end aftera second plurality of house indicia, such as 60 numbers, is determinedor selected. In one embodiment, the payout starts at a predeterminedfirst value, and the payout is reduced after each additional houseindicia is selected after the first plurality of house indicia has beenselected.

If a pattern is matched for a player card, the number of house indiciathat have been called is determined 626 (i.e., the number of houseindicia that were required to be called to match the pattern). Forexample, if 26 house indicia have been called before the pattern ismatched, the determined number of house indicia is 26. Even though atthis point, a pattern has been matched, the game continues until apredetermined number of house indicia are selected. Alternatively, thegame may end after the first pattern has been matched.

If the predetermined number of house indicia has not been selected, thegame continues and new house indicia are selected 620 as describedabove. However, once the predetermined number of house indicia have beenselected, a payout for each card is determined 628. The payout is basedon the number of house indicia that were required to be selected orcalled to match each pattern. To determine the payout for a card, thenumber of house indicia selections or calls required to match a patternis compared to a pay table associated with the pattern. The pay tablemay be stored in memory device 306 of local server 110 or of WAP server120, or may be stored within any suitable device. Once the payout foreach player card is determined, the player account is credited 630 withthe payout amount. The game ends 632 and the player may cash out or mayuse any credits or payouts to play additional games as described herein.

After the game ends 632, gaming device 114 determines 634 whethersufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e., to playanother game). If sufficient credits are not available, the player isprompted to insert 636 additional cash or credits to continue. Ifsufficient credits are available, the player is presented with severaloptions. The player may select 638 a cash out button or icon in whichcase the playing session or the game session ends 640 and the player ispaid any remaining credits or money. The player may also select 642 aplay button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, to repeat the gameusing the same game selections (e.g., the same player cards, the samewager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket is issued 616 and method600 continues as described above. Alternatively, the player is enabled644 to change the game and/or the game characteristics after the gameends (and before a new game is started). For example, the player mayselect a new game, a new game size, and/or a new game variation to play.The player may additionally or alternatively select a new wager amount,a different number of player cards to be played, and/or different playerindicia to be used in the game in a similar manner as described above. Anew game ticket may be issued 616 and method 600 may continue asdescribed above.

In an alternative embodiment, a number of player indicia within theselected pattern that match the house indicia is determined after allhouse indicia have been selected or called. Accordingly, in such anembodiment, the payout is determined 628 based on how many playerindicia within the selected pattern have been matched by the houseindicia. Therefore, the player may receive a payout even if the patternhas not been completely matched.

Keno embodiments may operate in a similar manner as the bingoembodiments described herein unless otherwise specified. For example,the player may select the game to be played from the game entry pointand may select the player card or matrix to be used during the game. Theplayer may select the size of the game and/or matrix, such as an 80number, a 49 number, a 25 number, or any other size of game and/ormatrix that is included as a selectable game. It should be understoodthat the size of the game and/or game matrix in any keno, bingo, orother game embodiments may include any regular or irregular shapes orforms such a square, rectangular, diamond, stair step, or any regular orirregular geometric shape. The player may enter a wager and may selectthe number of cards or matrices to be used during the game, may selectthe player indicia to be displayed on each card or matrix, and mayselect the number of player indicia to be played during the game. Thecards or matrices may be played in one game, and/or in one or morefuture games. In addition, the keno games may be played on any gamingdevice 114 described herein and/or may be played across a local areanetwork, a wide area network, and/or any other suitable network asdescribed herein with one or more fixed and/or progressive prizes. Bothsingle or “straight” game tickets and advanced or “way” game tickets maybe used.

During play of the keno game, a predetermined number of house indiciaare called based on the keno game variety selected. For example, in agame in which numbers are selected from a pool of 80 numbers (i.e., an80 number or 80 spot game), 20 house indicia may be called. However, itshould be recognized that any suitable number of house indicia may becalled during the game. After the predetermined number of house indiciaare called, the game ends. The player may win one or more prizes basedon a number of called house indicia that match the player indicia on theplayer cards according to a pay table associated with the game beingplayed. For example, the player may win 10 credits if 6 player indiciawithin a card are matched by the house indicia called during the game.

In one embodiment in which the keno game is played with multiple playerscompeting for a common prize, such as a progressive prize, the player orplayers that achieve a predetermined number of matches such as matchingor “catching” 10 player indicia in a 10 spot game, win or split theprize and/or the player who has the highest number of player indiciamatched wins a separate common prize. If two or more players tie for thehighest number of matches (i.e., the players have the same number ofplayer indicia matched by the called house indicia), the prize is splitbetween the players who tied. The common prize may be in addition to anormal or fixed prize that each player may win based on the number ofplayer indicia matched during the game and/or progressive prize jackpotsfor a player matching selected winning or win criteria.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a plurality of ball call timelines that may beused with the systems and methods described herein. When a plurality ofplayers are playing a game on separate gaming devices 114, the ballcalls for each player's gaming device 114 may either be synchronizedwith each other or may occur asynchronously.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example asynchronous ball call timeline 702 inwhich ball calls for a first player are illustrated with a singlevertical line | and ball calls for a second player are illustrated withan X symbol. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the ball calls for thefirst player (or for the first player's gaming device 114) occur at adifferent time than, or asynchronous with respect to, the ball calls forthe second player (or for the second player's gaming device 114). Whilethe ball calls for the first player are illustrated as occurring beforethe ball calls for the second player, it should be recognized that thefirst player's ball calls, individually or collectively, mayalternatively occur simultaneously with or after the second player'sball calls have occurred. If the first player wins a progressive prizethat the second player is also playing to win, the first player may benotified of the win before the second player's ball draw occurs.However, the amount of the prize to be awarded to the first player maynot be communicated to the first player until the second player's ballcall occurs. Accordingly, if the second player also wins the progressiveprize, the progressive prize may be split between the first player andthe second player. Alternatively, all winning players may receive all ora portion of the progressive prize. The amount of the prize that will beawarded to the first player and to the second player is communicated tothe first player and the second player by WAP server 120, for example,after the second player's ball call occurs. It should be recognized thatthe asynchronous nature of the ball calls described above may also applyto any other players and gaming devices 114 playing the game.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example synchronous ball call timeline 704 inwhich ball calls for the first player are illustrated with a singlevertical line | and ball calls for the second player are illustratedwith an X symbol. In the embodiment shown herein, the ball calls for thefirst player (or for the first player's gaming device 114) occur atsubstantially the same time as, or are synchronized with, the ball callsfor the second player (or for the second player's gaming device 114). Ina similar manner, the ball calls for each other player or gaming device114 playing the game are synchronized with the ball calls of the firstand second players or gaming devices 114. In one embodiment, WAP server120 transmits a synchronization signal or a ball call signal to eachgaming device 114 playing the game to indicate that a new ball callshould occur. Each gaming device 114 initiates a ball call in responseto the signal from the server.

Because each ball call is synchronized, WAP server 120 does not delaynotification of the progressive prize amount won by one or more playersuntil the ball calls have occurred. Rather, when WAP server 120 isnotified that one or more players won the progressive prize, WAP server120 transmits to the progressive prize winners the amount of the prizethat each player won.

FIG. 7C illustrates an example ball call timeline 706 in which ballcalls for a plurality of players occur synchronously and asynchronouslyduring the game. Ball calls for a first player are illustrated with asingle vertical line | and ball calls for a second player areillustrated with an X symbol. In the embodiment shown herein, some ballcalls for the first player (or for the first player's gaming device 114)occur at substantially the same time as, or are synchronized with, theball calls for the second player (or for the second player's gamingdevice 114), and some ball calls for the first player occur at adifferent time than, or asynchronous with respect to, the ball calls forthe second player. In one embodiment, the ball calls are randomly chosento be either synchronous or asynchronous. In a similar manner, some ballcalls for each other player or gaming device 114 playing the game may besynchronized with the ball calls of the first and second players orgaming devices 114 and some ball calls for each other player or gamingdevice 114 playing the game may occur asynchronously with respect to theball calls of the first and second players or gaming devices 114.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a plurality of player cards 802 (also referred toas player card sizes, game sizes, or game matrices) that may be usedwith a game of chance provided by the systems and methods describedherein. In one embodiment, player cards 802 are bingo cards.

FIG. 8A illustrates a 5×5 player card 804 that may be used in a game ofbingo. Accordingly, player card 804 includes a matrix of 5 rows and 5columns that define 25 spaces 806. Each space 806 may include anddisplay one or more player indicia 808. In one embodiment, a free spaceindicator is displayed in the center space 806 of player card 802 andthe remaining 24 spaces 806 are filled with player indicia 808. Inanother embodiment, the free space indicator is displayed in the centerspace 806 and only the spaces 806 within a selected pattern are filledwith player indicia 808. Center space 806 including the free spaceindicator is considered to be automatically filled or matched at thestart of the game, and may include a “daub” or another marker toindicate that center space 806 has been filled.

FIG. 8B illustrates a 4×4 player card 810 that may be used in a game ofbingo. Accordingly, player card 810 includes a matrix of 4 rows and 4columns that define 16 spaces 806. Each space 806 may include anddisplay one or more player indicia 808 as described above. In oneembodiment, only the spaces 806 within the selected pattern are filledwith player indicia 808. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, player card810 does not include a free space.

FIG. 8C illustrates a 3×3 player card 812 that may be used in a game ofbingo. Accordingly, player card 812 includes a matrix of 3 rows and 3columns that define 9 spaces 806. Each space 806 may include and displayone or more player indicia 808 as described above. In one embodiment, afree space indicator is displayed in the center space 806 of player card812 and the remaining 8 spaces 806 are filled with player indicia 808.In another embodiment, the free space indicator is displayed in thecenter space 806 and only the spaces 806 within the selected pattern arefilled with player indicia 808. Center space 806 including the freespace indicator is considered to be automatically filled or matched atthe start of the game as described above.

FIGS. 9A-9H illustrate a plurality of game patterns 902 (also referredto as winning patterns or player card patterns) that may be selected bythe player and used with a game of chance provided by the systems andmethods described herein. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A-9H, gamepatterns 902 are used with 5×5 player cards 804. While FIGS. 9A-9Hillustrate a plurality of example game patterns 902, it should berecognized that other patterns may be used with the systems and methodsdescribed herein.

FIG. 9A illustrates a “single” pattern 904 having one line of spaces 806extending from a top left corner of player card 802 to a bottom rightcorner of player card 802. It should be recognized that single pattern904 may alternatively extend from a bottom left corner of player card802 to a top right corner of player card 802. In another embodiment,single pattern 904 may extend in a horizontal line from a left side ofplayer card 802 to a right side of player card 802, or may extend in avertical line from a top side of player card 802 to a bottom side ofplayer card 802.

FIG. 9B illustrates a “double” pattern 906 having two parallel lines ofspaces 806 extending from the top side of player card 802 to the bottomside of player card 802. It should be recognized that double pattern 906may alternatively extend horizontally from the left side of player card802 to the right side of player card 802. In addition, it should berecognized that double pattern 906 may include any pair of parallellines of spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limited to theidentified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 9B. For example, doublepattern 906 may include diagonal lines that may constitute a winningpattern when completed.

FIG. 9C illustrates a “6 pack” pattern 908 that includes a rectangulararrangement of 6 spaces 806 within player card 802. It should berecognized that 6 pack pattern 908 may include any suitable rectangulararrangement of 6 spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limited tothe identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 9C.

FIG. 9D illustrates a “9 pack” pattern 910 that includes a squarearrangement of 9 spaces 806 within player card 802. It should berecognized that 9 pack pattern 910 may include any suitable squarearrangement of 9 spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limited tothe identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 9D.

FIG. 9E illustrates a “triple” pattern 912 having three parallel linesof spaces 806 extending from the left side of player card 802 to theright side of player card 802. It should be recognized that triplepattern 912 may alternatively extend from the top side of player card802 to the bottom side of player card 802. In addition, it should berecognized that triple pattern 912 may include any group of threeparallel lines of spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limitedto the identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 9E. For example, triplepattern 912 may include diagonal lines that may constitute a winningpattern when completed.

FIG. 9F illustrates a “letter X” pattern 914 having one line of spaces806 extending from the top left corner of player card 802 to the bottomright corner of player card 802, and one line of spaces 806 extendingfrom the bottom left corner of player card 802 to the top right cornerof player card 802. The two lines of spaces 806 intersect at centerspace 806.

FIG. 9G illustrates a “frame” pattern 916 that includes each space 806along the top side, the right side, the bottom side, and the left sideof player card 802. While center space 806 is considered to beautomatically filled, it is not used with frame pattern 916.

FIG. 9H illustrates a “coverall” or “blackout” pattern 918 that includesevery space 806 within player card 802. While the patterns illustratedin FIGS. 9A-9H require each player indicia 808 within each space 806 ofa selected pattern 902 to be matched by called house indicia, in oneembodiment, a prize may be won if not every player indicia 808 withineach space 806 of a selected pattern 902 is matched. Rather, asdescribed more fully herein, a prize may be won based on a number ofplayer indicia 808 within a selected pattern 902 that are matched bycalled house indicia.

FIGS. 10A-10H illustrate a plurality of game patterns 902 that may beselected by the player and used with a game of chance provided by thesystems and methods described herein. In the embodiments shown in FIGS.10A-10H, game patterns 902 are used with 4×4 player cards 810. WhileFIGS. 10A-10H illustrate a plurality of example game patterns 902, itshould be recognized that other patterns may be used with the systemsand methods described herein.

FIG. 10A illustrates a “single” pattern 1002 having one vertical line ofspaces 806 extending from the top side of player card 802 to the bottomside of player card 802. In another embodiment, single pattern 1002 mayextend in a horizontal line from the left side of player card 802 to theright side of player card 802, or may extend in a different verticalline from the top side of player card 802 to the bottom side of playercard 802. It should be recognized that single pattern 1002 mayalternatively extend from the bottom left corner of player card 802 tothe top right corner of player card 802 or from the top left corner ofplayer card 802 to the bottom right corner of player card 802.

FIG. 10B illustrates a “double” pattern 1004 having two parallel linesof spaces 806 extending from the top side of player card 802 to thebottom side of player card 802. It should be recognized that doublepattern 1004 may alternatively extend horizontally from the left side ofplayer card 802 to the right side of player card 802. In addition, itshould be recognized that double pattern 1004 may include any pair ofparallel lines of spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limitedto the identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 10B. For example,double pattern 1004 may include diagonal lines that may constitute awinning pattern when completed.

FIG. 10C illustrates a “6 pack” pattern 1006 that includes a rectangulararrangement of 6 spaces 806 within player card 802. It should berecognized that 6 pack pattern 1006 may include any suitable rectangulararrangement of 6 spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limited tothe identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 10C.

FIG. 10D illustrates a “9 pack” pattern 1008 that includes a squarearrangement of 9 spaces 806 within player card 802. It should berecognized that 9 pack pattern 1008 may include any suitable squarearrangement of 9 spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limited tothe identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 10D.

FIG. 10E illustrates a “triple” pattern 1010 having three lines ofspaces 806. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10E, two lines extend fromthe top side of player card 802 to the bottom side of player card 802,and one line extends from the left side of player card 802 to the rightside of player card 802. It should be recognized that triple pattern1010 may include any group of three lines of spaces 806 within playercard 802 and is not limited to the identified spaces 806 illustrated inFIG. 10E. For example, triple pattern 1010 may include diagonal linesthat may constitute a winning pattern when completed.

FIG. 10F illustrates a “letter U” pattern 1012 having three connectedlines of spaces 806 extending along three sides of player card 802. Afirst line of spaces 806 extends from the top left corner to the bottomleft corner of player card 802. A second line of spaces 806 extends fromthe bottom left corner to the bottom right corner of player card 802. Athird line of spaces extends from the bottom right corner to the topright corner of player card 802.

FIG. 10G illustrates a “frame” pattern 1014 that includes each space 806along the top side, the right side, the bottom side, and the left sideof player card 802.

FIG. 10H illustrates a “coverall” or “blackout” pattern 1016 thatincludes every space 806 within player card 802. While the patternsillustrated in FIGS. 10A-10H require each player indicia 808 within eachspace 806 of a selected pattern 902 to be matched by called houseindicia, in one embodiment, a prize may be won if not every playerindicia 808 within each space 806 of a selected pattern 902 is matched.Rather, as described more fully herein, a prize may be won based on anumber of player indicia 808 within a selected pattern 902 that arematched by called house indicia.

FIGS. 11A-11H illustrate a plurality of game patterns 902 that may beselected by the player and used with a game of chance provided by thesystems and methods described herein. In the embodiments shown in FIGS.11A-11H, game patterns 902 are used with 3×3 player cards 812. WhileFIGS. 11A-11H illustrate a plurality of example game patterns 902, itshould be recognized that other patterns may be used with the systemsand methods described herein.

FIG. 11A illustrates a “single” pattern 1102 having one line of spaces806 extending from the top right corner of player card 802 to the bottomleft corner of player card 802. It should be recognized that singlepattern 1102 may alternatively extend from the top left corner of playercard 802 to the bottom right corner of player card 802. In anotherembodiment, single pattern 1102 may extend in a horizontal line from theleft side of player card 802 to the right side of player card 802, ormay extend in a vertical line from the top side of player card 802 tothe bottom side of player card 802.

FIG. 11B illustrates a “double” pattern 1104 having two parallel linesof spaces 806 extending from the top side of player card 802 to thebottom side of player card 802. It should be recognized that doublepattern 1104 may alternatively extend horizontally from the left side ofplayer card 802 to the right side of player card 802. For example,double pattern 1104 may include diagonal lines that may constitute awinning pattern when completed.

FIG. 11C illustrates a “letter X” pattern 1106 having one line of spaces806 extending from the top left corner of player card 802 to the bottomright corner of player card 802, and one line of spaces 806 extendingfrom the bottom left corner of player card 802 to the top right cornerof player card 802. The two lines of spaces 806 intersect at centerspace 806.

FIG. 11D illustrates a “letter T” pattern 1108 that includes a firstline of spaces 806 extending along the top side of player card 802. Asecond line of spaces 806 extends vertically from a middle of the topside of player card 802 to the bottom side of player card 802.

FIG. 11E illustrates a “4 pack” pattern 1110 that includes a squarearrangement of 4 spaces 806 within player card 802. It should berecognized that 4 pack pattern 1110 may include any suitable squarearrangement of 4 spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limited tothe identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 11E.

FIG. 11F illustrates a “6 pack” pattern 1112 that includes a rectangulararrangement of 6 spaces 806 within player card 802. It should berecognized that 6 pack pattern 1112 may include any suitable rectangulararrangement of 6 spaces 806 within player card 802 and is not limited tothe identified spaces 806 illustrated in FIG. 11F.

FIG. 11G illustrates a “letter U” pattern 1114 having three connectedlines of spaces 806 extending along three sides of player card 802. Afirst line of spaces 806 extends from the top left corner to the bottomleft corner of player card 802. A second line of spaces 806 extends fromthe bottom left corner to the bottom right corner of player card 802. Athird line of spaces extends from the bottom right corner to the topright corner of player card 802.

FIG. 11H illustrates a “coverall” or “blackout” pattern 1116 thatincludes every space 806 within player card 802. While the patternsillustrated in FIGS. 11A-11H require each player indicia 808 within eachspace 806 of a selected pattern 902 to be matched by called houseindicia, in one embodiment, a prize may be won if not every playerindicia 808 within each space 806 of a selected pattern 902 is matched.Rather, as described more fully herein, a prize may be won based on anumber of player indicia 808 within a selected pattern 902 that arematched by called house indicia.

FIG. 12 is a screenshot of an example game entry interface 1200 that maybe used with the systems and methods described herein. Game entryinterface 1200 may be presented by wrapper program module 502, forexample, when a player operates gaming device 114.

A plurality of game selection buttons or icons 1202 are presented to theplayer. In addition, a plurality of wager selection buttons or icons1204 are presented to the player on game entry interface 1200.

Game selection icons 1202 enable the player to select a game to beplayed and/or one or more game matrices to be used during the game. Thegames available to be played may be categorized by game size (e.g.,using 3×3 player cards 802 having 9 spaces, 4×4 player cards 802 having16 spaces, 5×5 player cards 802 having 25 spaces, etc.) and by gamevariety (e.g., Super Gold Mine Bingo, Super Cash Bingo, Super WildBingo, Super Pattern Bingo, Super Bonus Bingo, etc.). Accordingly, theplayer may select the game selection icon 1202 labeled “Super Cash Bingo25” to play a Super Cash Bingo game using a player card 802 having 25spaces 806.

Wager selection icons 1204 enable the player to select an amount ofmoney or credits to be wagered on the game selected. For example, if theplayer selects a wager selection icon 1204 labeled “$1,” an amount of $1in credits or currency will be wagered on each player card 802 usedduring the play of the selected game. It should be recognized that thegame and the wager may be changed or reselected after each game iscompleted or prior to the start of the game.

FIG. 13 is a screenshot of a pattern selection interface 1300 that maybe used with the systems and methods described herein. In oneembodiment, wrapper program module 502 presents pattern selectioninterface 1300 to the player on display 310 of gaming device 114 afterthe player has selected the game to be played and has selected the wagerfor the game. Alternatively, wrapper program module 502 may call a gamemodule 504 associated with the selected game when the player selects thegame and the wager, and game module 504 may present pattern selectioninterface 1300 to the player on display 310 of gaming device 114. Itshould be understood that the graphical user interface (GUI) shown inthe various embodiments need not contain all functions, components,and/or functional elements illustrated therein. Additionally oralternatively, the functions, components, and/or functional elementsillustrated in the various embodiments may be included within one ormore other GUIs.

Pattern selection interface 1300 includes a plurality of patternselection icons 1302, a pay table icon 1304, and a plurality of cardnumber selection icons 1306. Pattern selection interface 1300 alsodisplays the selected game and the selected wager from game entryinterface 1200.

Pattern selection icons 1302 enable the player to select a pattern 902for each player card 802. A different pattern 902 may be selected foreach player card 802. In one embodiment, the player is enabled to createa new pattern to be used for one or more player cards 802 by selecting asuitable pattern creation icon (not shown). Additionally oralternatively, player indicia 808 may be selected by the player for eachcard and/or each pattern 902 using user interface 312.

Pay table icon 1304 enables the player to view the pay table for theselected pattern 902 based on the selected game and the selected wager.In addition, selecting pay table icon 1304 may cause the game to displayinformation, such as a help screen, regarding how to play the game.

Card number selection icons 1306 enable the player to select the numberof player cards 802 to be used during the game. If more than one playercard 802 is selected, the game will end after the pattern 902 for eachplayer card 802 is matched and/or after all ball calls have completed,as described more fully herein.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method 1400 of playing a game of chancethat may be used with the systems and methods described herein. FIGS.15-18 are example screenshots of the game that may be presented to theplayer during play of the game when method 1400 is executed. In oneembodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls a game module 504associated with the game of chance when the player selects the gameusing user interface 312. Game module 504 presents the game of chance tothe player on display 310.

In one embodiment, the player may be identified 1401 using gaming device114 as described above. A game entry interface or entry point (such asgame entry interface 1200) is presented 1402 to the player on gamingdevice 114 using wrapper program module 502, for example, as describedabove with reference to FIG. 6. Wrapper program module 502 enables 1404the player to select a game to be played from a plurality of gamespresented on the game entry interface 1200. In addition, wrapper programmodule 502 may enable 1404 the player to select one or more gamematrices to be used in the game. In one embodiment, the player selectsthe game by selecting a game size and a game variety associated with thegame that the player wishes to play. For example, the player may selectthe game to be a Super Cash Bingo 25 game that is played on a 5×5 playercard 804. In the Super Cash Bingo game, if the player matches a patternand a bonus ball is included within the pattern, the player may beawarded a payout based on an enhanced pay table.

The player is enabled 1406 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $0.25 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 1407 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 1408 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, the player is enabled 1409 to select a pattern 902 andis enabled 1410 to select a number of player cards 802 to be playedduring the game. In one embodiment, the player is also enabled 1412 toselect some or all of the player indicia 808 for each player card 802 asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 6. The player selections of thewager, the winning pattern 902, the number of cards 802, and the playerindicia 808 may be communicated from gaming device 114 to anothercomputing device 300, such as local server 110 and/or WAP server 120,through network 108, for example. Optionally, the gaming device may havedefault values as desired so that the player may simply select an iconor button to initiate play of the game after inserting or applyingcredits as described herein.

A game ticket for the player is issued 1414 to gaming device 114 bylocal server 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing the selected game.The game ticket may include each player card 802 selected and thewagered amount for each player card 802. The game is presented 1416 tothe player by gaming device 114 on display 310. In one embodiment,wrapper program module 502 selects and loads a game module 504associated with the selected game, and the selected game module 504presents 1416 the selected game to the player. As illustrated in FIGS.15-18, the presentation of the game may include displaying a bingoflashboard, one or more player cards 802, and a ball call display ondisplay 310 of gaming device 114.

During play of the game, a plurality of house indicia is selected 1418using randomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAP server 120.Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the game is administered bygaming device 114, randomization device 414 of gaming device 114 is usedto select the house indicia. The house indicia are randomly selectedfrom a pool of numbers between 1 and 75, and one or more of the selectedhouse indicia may be designated or randomly selected to be a bonus ball.The house indicia that have been selected are compared with playerindicia 808 on each player card 802 to determine 1420 whether the houseindicia match player indicia 808 within the selected pattern 902. If apattern 902 is not matched for a player card 802 (i.e., if each playerindicia 808 within pattern 902 has not been matched by house indiciathat have been selected), the game continues unless it is determined1422 that a predetermined number of house indicia has been selected. Inone embodiment of Super Cash Bingo 25, the predetermined number of houseindicia is 22 such that the game ends after 22 house indicia have beenselected. If the predetermined number of house indicia has beenselected, a payout for each card is determined 1423 and is credited 1424to the player account. The game ends 1426, and another game may beselected by the player as described herein. In one embodiment, thepredetermined number of house indicia may be equal to the total numberof house indicia available, or may be equal to any number of houseindicia in excess of the last indicia eligible to win a prize asidentified on a pay table (i.e., the number of house indicia identifiedon the last line of the pay table).

In all embodiments described herein, the house indicia selected may bedisplayed on display 310 with the same time interval between selections,e.g., a 0.5 second interval between each selected house indicia.Alternatively, the house indicia selected may be displayed on display310 in an accelerated manner at the beginning of the game and may bedisplayed in a decelerated manner towards the end of the game. Forexample, a partial series of time intervals for displaying house indiciaas the game progresses may include 0.5 seconds, 0.35 seconds, 0.2seconds, 0.1 seconds, 0.05 seconds, 0.05 seconds for a predeterminednumber of called house indicia, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, 0.35 seconds,and 0.5 seconds. The above time intervals are merely for illustration,and any suitable time intervals or sequence of time intervals may beused. House indicia selection and/or the matching of house indicia withplayer indicia may be accompanied by audio and/or video effects tosignify these or other game events.

If a pattern 902 is matched for a player card 802, gaming device 114,local server 110, or WAP server 120 determines 1428 whether a bonus ballwas matched within pattern 902 (i.e., whether the house indiciaassociated with the bonus ball matches a player indicia 808 includedwithin pattern 902). If the bonus ball was matched (and if the remainingplayer indicia 808 within pattern 902 are matched by the selected houseindicia), a payout or prize is awarded 1430 to the player based on anenhanced or differing pay table. In one embodiment, the enhanced ordiffering pay table includes payouts or prizes that are 4 times thepayouts or prizes of a normal, or non-enhanced, pay table.Alternatively, the enhanced or differing pay table includes payouts orprizes that are increased in any other fashion with respect to thepayouts or prizes of the normal pay table. If the bonus ball was notmatched (but each player indicia 808 within pattern 902 was matched byselected house indicia), a payout or prize is awarded 1432 to the playerbased on the normal pay table.

If the predetermined number of house indicia has not been selected, thegame continues and new house indicia are selected 1418 as describedabove. However, once the predetermined number of house indicia have beenselected, the game ends 1426.

After the game ends 1426, gaming device 114 determines 1434 whethersufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e., to playanother game). If sufficient credits are not available, the player isprompted to insert 1436 additional cash or credits to continue. Ifsufficient credits are available, the player is presented with severaloptions. The player may select 1438 a cash out button or icon in whichcase the playing session or the game session ends 1440 and the player ispaid any remaining credits or money. The player may also select 1442 aplay button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, to repeat the gameusing the same game selections (e.g., the same player cards, the samewager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket is issued 1414 andmethod 1400 continues as described above. Alternatively, the player isenabled 1444 to change the game and/or the game characteristics afterthe game ends (and before a new game is started). For example, theplayer may select a new game, a new game size, and/or a new gamevariation to play. The player may additionally or alternatively select anew wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to be played,and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 1414 andmethod 1400 may continue as described above.

If the player selects a keno game, such as a Super Cash Keno game, thegame may operate in a similar manner as described above unless otherwisespecified. For example, the player may select the game to be played fromthe game entry point and may select the player card or matrix to be usedduring the game. The player may select the size of the game and/ormatrix, such as an 80 number, a 49 number, a 25 number, or any othersize of game and/or matrix. The player may enter a wager and may selectthe number of cards or matrices to be used during the game, may selectthe player indicia to be displayed on each card or matrix, and thenumber of player indicia or spots on each card or matrix. The cards ormatrices may be played in one game, and/or in one or more future games.In addition, the keno games may be played on any gaming device 114described herein and/or may be played across a local area network, awide area network, and/or any other suitable network as described hereinwith one or more fixed and/or progressive prizes. Both “straight” gametickets and “way” game tickets may be used.

During play of the Super Cash Keno game, a predetermined number of houseindicia are called based on the keno game variety selected. For example,in a game in which numbers are selected from a pool of 80 numbers (i.e.,an 80 number or 80 spot game), 20 house indicia may be called. However,it should be recognized that any suitable number of house indicia may becalled during the game. In addition, a random chance is provided for oneor more house indicia to be selected to be a bonus ball or bonus indicia(also referred to as cash ball or cash indicia). If the player indiciamatches one or more bonus balls, and if the player matches enough otherhouse indicia with the player indicia to qualify for a prize or payout,the player may win an increased payout as compared to a payout awardedif no bonus balls were matched. The payout may be further increased foreach bonus ball matched by the player indicia. The payout may be doubledfor each bonus ball matched, or may be increased or changed in any othersuitable manner.

After the predetermined number of house indicia are called, the gameends. The player may win one or more prizes based on a number of calledhouse indicia that match the player indicia on the player cardsaccording to a pay table associated with the game being played in asimilar manner as described above.

In one embodiment in which the Super Cash Keno game is played withmultiple players competing for a common prize, such as a progressiveprize, the player or players that achieve a predetermined number ofmatches such as matching or “catching” 10 player indicia in a 10 spotgame, win or split the prize and/or the player who has the highestnumber of player indicia matched wins a separate common prize. If two ormore players tie for the highest number of matches (i.e., the playershave the same number of player indicia matched by the called houseindicia), the prize is split between the players who tied. The commonprize may be in addition to a normal or fixed prize that each player maywin based on the number of player indicia matched during the game and/orprogressive prizes as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 15, a screenshot 1500 of a user interface 1501 thatmay be presented during execution of method 1400 is illustrated. Userinterface 1501 may include a bingo flashboard 1502, a player card icon1504, and a ball call display 1506. In addition, user interface 1501 mayinclude a plurality of user interface icons 1508 that may be selected tointeract with the game and/or to change the game or the characteristicsof the game.

Bingo flashboard 1502 displays the house indicia that are available tobe selected during play of the game. In addition, in one embodiment,bingo flashboard 1502 displays a marker (or “daub”) on the house indiciathat are selected during the game. Bingo flashboard 1502 is displayedwith the numbers 1-15 in the column below the letter “B,” the numbers16-30 in the column below the letter “I,” the numbers 31-45 in thecolumn below the letter “N,” the numbers 46-60 in the column below theletter “G,” and the numbers 61-75 under the letter “O.” Alternatively,any suitable house indicia may be used instead of numbers.

In one embodiment, player card 802 is displayed as a selectable playercard icon 1504 having a 5×5 matrix of spaces 806. Each space 806 ofplayer card icon 1504 (other than center space 806) includes a playerindicia 808 that has been selected by the player and/or selected bygaming device 114, local server 110, or WAP server 120. Alternatively,only the spaces 806 covered by the selected pattern 902 are filled withplayer indicia 808. In one embodiment, the player may select player cardicon 1504 to change player card 802, to select new player indicia 808,and/or to select a new pattern 902 for player card 802.

Ball call display 1506 illustrates the number of balls (or other houseindicia) that have been selected or called during the play of the game.In addition, the total number of balls that may be called during thegame may be displayed. As each new ball is called, the number displayedin ball call display 1506 is incremented.

User interface icons 1508 may include a pay table icon 1510 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add cards icon 1512, abet 1 icon 1514, a wager icon 1516, a bet max icon 1518, a change gameicon 1520, and a play icon 1522. Alternatively, one or more userinterface icons 1508 may be omitted and/or replaced by other suitableicons.

Pay table icon 1510 enables the player to view a help screen or a pop-upwindow that describes how the game is played and/or other help topics.In addition, a pay table associated with the game and the selectedpattern may be displayed in the help screen or pop-up window. Oneexample help screen is shown in FIG. 18.

Add cards icon 1512 enables the player to add more player cards 802 tothe game. In one embodiment, each player card 802 added uses the samepattern 902 that the player selected for the first player card 802, andeach new player card 802 is filled with randomly selected player indicia808. In addition, the same wager is used for each new player card 802.Alternatively, the player may select pattern 902, player indicia 808,and/or the wager for each new player card 802 added using the add cardsicon 1512.

Bet 1 icon 1514 enables the player to wager one credit for each playercard 802 in the game to be played. In one embodiment, each creditrepresents one unit or increment of the wager amount. For example, ifthe wager amount is $0.25, each credit represents $0.25. In oneembodiment, if the player changes the wager amount, the number ofcredits available to the player is automatically adjusted accordingly.For example, if the player has 100 credits available while wagering in$0.10 increments, the number of credits will automatically be adjustedto 10 credits if the player changes the wager amount to $1. The playermay continue to select the bet 1 icon 1514 to increase the wageredamount (e.g., the number of credits wagered for each player card 802)until a predetermined maximum number of credits is wagered.

Wager icon 1516 enables the player to change the wager amount orincrement for each player card 802 to be used in the game. For example,the player may select wager icon 1516 to change the wager amount from$0.25 to $1 or to any suitable amount. In one embodiment, the player mayenter a wager amount to be used for player cards 802 in the game. Forexample, the player may enter a non-standard amount such as $0.23,$1.12, or any other suitable amount that is between a predeterminedminimum wager amount and a predetermined maximum wager amount.

Bet max icon 1518 enables the player to wager a maximum amount ofcredits for each player card 802 in the game to be played. For example,if the predetermined maximum number of credits is 5 credits, the playermay select bet max icon 1518 to wager 5 credits for each player card 802to be used in the game.

Change game icon 1520 enables the player to change the game to beplayed. For example, the player may select change game icon 1520 toselect a new game, such as a Super Wild Bingo 25 game that is played ona 5×5 player card 804, for example. In one embodiment, wrapper programmodule 502 is called when change game icon 1520 is selected. Wrapperprogram module 502 presents a list of the available games to be playedto the player. When the player selects a game from the list of availablegames, wrapper program module 502 calls the game module 504 associatedwith the selected game, and game module 504 presents the new game to theplayer.

Play icon 1522 enables the player to start the play of the game. Forexample, when the player selects play icon 1522, the house indicia areselected and are compared to player indicia 808 within pattern 902, asdescribed above. In one embodiment, once the game is started, userinterface icons 1508 become grayed out and/or become unable to beselected by the player until the game ends.

Referring to FIG. 16, another screenshot 1600 of user interface 1501that may be presented during execution of method 1400 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates user interface 1501 while thegame is being played. For example, 15 house indicia have been called outof a maximum of 22 house indicia. As illustrated on bingo flashboard1502, a bonus ball has been received as ball 57.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the player has matched the selectedpattern 902 within 15 house indicia (or within 15 ball calls) bymatching the called house indicia to player indicia 808 within theselected letter X pattern 914. Since the bonus ball (or cash ball) 57has been received within the letter X pattern, the player is enabled toreceive a payout or prize using the enhanced pay table, as describedabove. Accordingly, the player will receive a payout or a prize that isgreater than the payout or prize that the player would otherwise receiveusing the normal pay table if the bonus ball (or cash ball) had not beenreceived or matched within pattern 902.

Referring to FIG. 17, another screenshot 1700 of user interface 1501that may be presented during execution of method 1400 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 17 illustrates a scenario in which the playerhas selected 4 player cards 802 to be used during the play of the game.In one embodiment, the same pattern 902 (e.g., the letter X pattern) isused for each player card 802. Alternatively, a different pattern 902may be selected for each player card 802. When house indicia are calledduring the play of the game, the called house indicia are compared toplayer indicia 808 within each pattern 902 for each player card 802 todetermine whether each pattern 902 is matched. A payout or prize isawarded to the player based on each pattern 902 that is matched for eachplayer card 802. It should be recognized that the game is played untilall patterns 902 have been matched or until the maximum number of houseindicia have been called as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 18, another screenshot 1800 of user interface 1501that may be presented during execution of method 1400 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 18 illustrates a screenshot 1800 of an examplehelp screen 1802 that may be presented to the player when the playerselects pay table icon 1510 (shown in FIG. 15). Help screen 1802includes instructions regarding how to play the game and may alsoinclude a pay table 1804 for the selected pattern and the selected game.

In one embodiment, pay table 1804 is split into a normal pay table 1806and an enhanced pay table 1808. Normal pay table 1806 is represented bythe payouts or prizes listed on the left side of each column (e.g., thepayouts to the left of the “/” sign) and enhanced pay table 1808 isrepresented by the payouts or prizes listed on the right side of eachcolumn (e.g., the payouts to the right of the “/” sign).

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the pay table includes a listing of thewinning payouts if the pattern is matched within a prescribed orpredetermined number of ball or house indicia calls. The payoutincreases as the number of credits increases as shown in the columnsunder the “Play 1 to 5 Credits” caption. The increase may be directlyproportional to the increased amount bet. Alternatively, as the amountbet increases, the payout may exceed a direct proportional increase asshown in column 5. The payout for specific ball or house indicia callsmay be for the exact ball or house indicia, e.g., 4 credits for apattern match at 19 ball calls, 3 credits for a pattern match at 20 ballcalls, 2 credits for a pattern match at 21 ball calls, and 1 credit fora pattern match at 22 ball calls. Alternatively, payouts may be based ongroupings of ball calls, such as a payout of 2 credits for a patternmatch at any ball call between 19 and 22 ball calls. The above examplesare illustrative only, and it should be recognized that any suitablepayout and pay table may be used as desired. It should also beunderstood that the drawing figures included herein illustrateinterfaces that may be displayed to a player and do not necessarilyreflect correct or accurate pay table or payout information as they arefor illustration purposes only. The included pay table drawings forvarious embodiments described should be understood to reflect acceptablemathematical models which may be altered or adjusted as desired. Whilethe underlying mathematics used to calculate payout information isrepresented within the pay tables, only a portion of the information maybe displayed to a player such as the payout for a specific patternmatch.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a method 1900 of playing another game ofchance that may be used with the systems and methods described herein.FIGS. 20-22 are example screenshots of the game that may be presented tothe player during play of the game when method 1900 is executed. In oneembodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls a game module 504associated with the game of chance when the player selects the gameusing user interface 312. Game module 504 presents the game of chance tothe player on display 310.

In one embodiment, the player is identified 1901 using gaming device 114as described above. A game entry interface or entry point is presented1902 to the player on gaming device 114 using wrapper program module502, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 6. Wrapperprogram module 502 enables 1904 the player to select a game to be playedfrom a plurality of games presented on the game entry interface. Inaddition, wrapper program module 502 may enable 1904 the player toselect one or more game matrices to be used in the game. In oneembodiment, the player selects the game by selecting a game size and agame variety associated with the game that the player wishes to play.For example, the player may select the game to be a Super Bonus Bingo 16game that is played on a 4×4 player card 810. In the Super Bonus Bingogame, if the player matches a pattern and a bonus ball is includedwithin the pattern, the player may be awarded a predetermined number offree player cards in a bonus game (also known as a feature) that paysdouble (or another suitably increased payout) if the selected pattern ismatched during the bonus game.

When play of the game is initiated, during selection of the game, orduring play of the game, the player may be required to purchase orgenerate credits. The player may purchase or generate credits byinserting cash or a ticket-in-ticket-out voucher into gaming device 114or another device. Alternatively or additionally, the player maytransfer credits or cash to gaming device 114 from banking accounts,credit accounts, gaming establishment accounts, and/or gaming companyaccounts. In one embodiment, computer-generated credits may be used withgaming device 114, for example, as part of a free-to-play game.

The player is enabled 1906 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $0.25 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 1907 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 1908 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, the player is enabled 1909 to select a pattern 902 andis enabled 1910 to select a number of cards 802 to be played during thegame. In one embodiment, the player is also enabled 1912 to select someor all of the player indicia 808 for each player card 802 as describedabove with reference to FIG. 6. The player selections of the wager, thewinning pattern 902, the number of cards 802, and the player indicia 808may be communicated from gaming device 114 to another computing device300, such as local server 110 and/or WAP server 120, through network108, for example.

A game ticket for the player is issued 1914 to gaming device 114 bylocal server 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing the selected game.The game is presented 1916 to the player by gaming device 114 on display310. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads agame module 504 associated with the selected game, and the selected gamemodule 504 presents 1916 the selected game to the player. As illustratedin FIGS. 20-22, the presentation of the game may include displaying abingo flashboard, one or more player cards 802, and a ball call displayon display 310 of gaming device 114.

During play of the game, a plurality of house indicia is selected 1918using randomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAP server 120.Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the game is administered bygaming device 114, randomization device 414 of gaming device 114 is usedto select the house indicia. The house indicia are randomly selectedfrom a pool of numbers between 1 and 48, and one or more of the selectedhouse indicia may be designated or randomly selected to be a bonus ball.The house indicia that have been selected are compared with playerindicia 808 on each player card 802 to determine 1920 whether the houseindicia match player indicia 808 within the selected pattern 902. If apattern 902 is not matched for a player card 802 (i.e., if each playerindicia 808 within pattern 902 has not been matched by house indiciathat have been selected), the game continues unless it is determined1922 that a predetermined number of house indicia has been selected. Inone embodiment of Super Bonus Bingo 16, the predetermined number ofhouse indicia is 18 such that the game ends after 18 house indicia havebeen selected. If the predetermined number of house indicia has beenselected, a payout for each card is determined 1923 and is credited 1924to the player account. The game ends 1925, and another game may beselected by the player as described herein.

If a pattern 902 is matched for a player card 802, gaming device 114,local server 110, or WAP server 120 determines 1926 whether a bonus ballwas matched within pattern 902 (i.e., whether the house indiciaassociated with the bonus ball matches a player indicia 808 includedwithin pattern 902). If the bonus ball was matched (and if the remainingplayer indicia 808 within pattern 902 are matched by the selected houseindicia), a bonus prize is awarded 1928 to the player. In oneembodiment, a “normal” payout or prize is awarded 1928 to the player inaddition to the bonus prize. The normal payout or prize is based on thenormal, or non-enhanced, pay table associated with the selected game andthe selected pattern.

In one embodiment, the bonus prize includes a predetermined number offree player cards 802 to be used with a bonus game, such as 9 freeplayer cards 802. The payout for the bonus game is increased withrespect to the normal payout, such as double the normal payout.Accordingly, in one embodiment, the bonus game uses an enhanced paytable that has increased payouts with respect to a normal, non-enhancedpay table. In one embodiment, the free player cards 802 are issued tothe player during the bonus game with the same pattern 902 used in thenormal game, and with randomly selected player indicia 808. The bonusgame may be played in a similar manner as the normal game with theexception of the increased payout and the use of the predeterminednumber of player cards 802. It should be recognized that the bonus gamemay start after the normal game completes.

During the normal game, if no bonus ball is matched (but the calledhouse indicia match each player indicia 808 within pattern 902), apayout is awarded 1930 to the player based on the normal pay table(i.e., not the bonus or enhanced pay table). If the predetermined numberof house indicia has not been selected, the game continues and new houseindicia are selected 1918 as described above. However, once thepredetermined number of house indicia have been selected, the game ends1925.

After the game ends 1925, gaming device 114 determines 1932 whethersufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e., to playanother game). If sufficient credits are not available, the player isprompted to insert 1934 additional cash or credits to continue. Ifsufficient credits are available, the player is presented with severaloptions. The player may select 1936 a cash out button or icon in whichcase the playing session or the game session ends 1938 and the player ispaid any remaining credits or money. The player may also select 1940 aplay button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, to repeat the gameusing the same game selections (e.g., the same player cards, the samewager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket is issued 1914 andmethod 1900 continues as described above. Alternatively, the player isenabled 1942 to change the game and/or the game characteristics afterthe game ends (and before a new game is started). For example, theplayer may select a new game, a new game size, and/or a new gamevariation to play. The player may additionally or alternatively select anew wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to be played,and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 1914 andmethod 1900 may continue as described above.

If the player selects a keno game, such as a Super Bonus Keno game, thegame may operate in a similar manner as described above unless otherwisespecified. For example, the player may select the game to be played fromthe game entry point and may select the player card or matrix to be usedduring the game. The player may select the size of the game and/ormatrix, such as an 80 number, a 49 number, a 25 number, or any othersize of game and/or matrix. The player may enter a wager and may selectthe number of cards or matrices to be used during the game, and mayselect the number of player indicia and the specific player indicia tobe displayed on each card or matrix. The cards or matrices may be playedin one game, and/or in one or more future games. In addition, the kenogames may be played on any gaming device 114 described herein and/or maybe played across a local area network, a wide area network, and/or anyother suitable network as described herein with one or more fixed and/orprogressive prizes. Both “straight” game tickets and “way” game ticketsmay be used.

During play of the Super Bonus Keno game, a predetermined number ofhouse indicia are called based on the keno game variety selected. Forexample, in a game in which numbers are selected from a pool of 80numbers (i.e., an 80 number or 80 spot game), 20 house indicia may becalled. However, it should be recognized that any suitable number ofhouse indicia may be called during the game. In addition, a randomchance is provided for one or more house indicia to be selected to be abonus ball or bonus indicia. If the player indicia matches one or morebonus balls, and if the player matches enough other house indicia withthe player indicia to qualify for a prize or payout, the player may winone or more free games that include an increased payout as compared to apayout awarded if no bonus balls were matched. The payout and the numberof free games may be further increased for each bonus ball matched bythe player indicia. For example, if one bonus ball was matched within awinning card (i.e., a card that includes a suitable number of playerindicia that match the called house indicia), the player may win 9 freegames that have payouts that are the same as or double a normal payout.If two bonus balls are matched in a winning card, the player may win 20free games that pay double the normal payout or may win 9 free games or9 free games that pay 4 times the normal payout. The above examples aremerely illustrative, and any suitable number of free games and/or anysuitable increased payout may be awarded for each bonus ball matchedwithin a winning card.

After the predetermined number of house indicia are called, the gameends. The player may win one or more prizes based on a number of calledhouse indicia that match the player indicia on the player cardsaccording to a pay table associated with the game being played in asimilar manner as described above.

In one embodiment in which the Super Bonus Keno game is played withmultiple players competing for a common prize, such as a progressiveprize, the player or players that achieve a predetermined number ofmatches such as matching or “catching” 10 player indicia in a 10 spotgame, win or split the prize and/or the player who has the highestnumber of player indicia matched wins a separate common prize. If two ormore players tie for the highest number of matches (i.e., the playershave the same number of player indicia matched by the called houseindicia), the prize is split between the players who tied. The commonprize may be in addition to a normal or fixed prize that each player maywin based on the number of player indicia matched during the game and/orprogressive prizes as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 20, a screenshot 2000 of a user interface 2002 thatmay be presented during execution of method 1900 is illustrated. Userinterface 2002 is similar to user interface 1501 (shown in FIG. 15), andsimilar components are labeled in FIG. 20 with the same referencenumerals used in FIG. 15. User interface 2002 may include a bingoflashboard 1502, a player card icon 1504, and a ball call display 1506.In addition, user interface 2002 may include a plurality of userinterface icons 1508 that may be selected to interact with the gameand/or to change the game or the characteristics of the game.

Bingo flashboard 1502 is displayed with the numbers 1-12 in the firstcolumn below the first letter “B,” the numbers 13-24 in the secondcolumn below the letter “A,” the numbers 25-36 in the third column belowthe second letter “B,” and the numbers 37-48 in the fourth column belowthe letter “Y.” Alternatively, any suitable indicia may be used insteadof numbers. As each house indicia is selected during the play of thegame, a corresponding number (or other indicia) of bingo flashboard 1502is highlighted or at least partially covered by a symbol indicative ofthe selected house indicia.

In one embodiment, player card 802 is displayed as a selectable playercard icon 1504 having a 4×4 matrix of spaces 806. Each space 806 ofplayer card icon 1504 includes a player indicia 808 that has beenselected by the player and/or selected by gaming device 114, localserver 110, or WAP server 120. Alternatively, only the spaces 806covered by the selected pattern are filled with player indicia 808. Inone embodiment, the player may select player card icon 1504 to changeplayer card 802, to select new player indicia 808, and/or to select anew pattern 902 for player card 802.

Ball call display 1506 illustrates the number of balls (or other houseindicia) that have been selected or called during the play of the game.In addition, the total number of balls that may be called during thegame may be displayed. As each new ball is called, the number displayedin ball call display 1506 is incremented.

User interface icons 1508 may include a pay table icon 1510 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add cards icon 1512, abet 1 icon 1514, a wager icon 1516, a bet max icon 1518, a change gameicon 1520, and a play icon 1522. Alternatively, one or more userinterface icons 1508 may be omitted and/or replaced by other suitableicons. User interface icons 1508 are described above with reference toFIG. 15 and operate similarly thereto.

Referring to FIG. 21, another screenshot 2100 of user interface 2002that may be presented during execution of method 1900 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 21 illustrates user interface 2002 while thegame is being played. For example, 17 house indicia have been called outof a maximum of 18 house indicia. As illustrated on bingo flashboard1502, a bonus ball has been received as ball 23.

In the example shown, the player has matched the selected pattern 902within 17 house indicia (or within 17 ball calls) by matching the calledhouse indicia to player indicia 808 within the selected letter U pattern1012. The bonus ball has also been received within the selected pattern902 (i.e., the bonus ball 23 is within the letter U pattern) whichenables the player to receive a payout or prize using the enhanced paytable, as described above. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the playerwill receive a bonus prize in addition to the payout or prize that theplayer receives using the normal pay table. The bonus prize may includea bonus game with a predetermined number of free player cards for useduring the bonus game. Any suitable bonus may be awarded such asenhanced payouts, different bonus games such as a slot game, “you pick”symbol games, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 22, another screenshot 2200 of user interface 2002that may be presented during execution of method 1900 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 22 illustrates a bonus game awarded to theplayer for matching a pattern with the bonus ball included.

In the example shown, the player is awarded 9 free player cards 802during the free bonus game. In one embodiment, each player card 802includes different player indicia 808 than each other player card 802,but each player card 802 uses the same pattern. An increased payout isawarded to the player for each player card 802 that matches pattern 902.The increased payout may include, for example, double the payout that apattern match would otherwise receive during the normal game. In otherrespects, the bonus game is played similarly to the normal game exceptthat a bonus ball is not able to be drawn in the bonus game.Alternatively, the bonus games may be presented individually, such as 9consecutive individual bonus games.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of a method 2300 of playing another game ofchance that may be used with the systems and methods described herein.FIGS. 24 and 25 are example screenshots of the game that may bepresented to the player during play of the game when method 2300 isexecuted. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls a gamemodule 504 associated with the game of chance when the player selectsthe game using user interface 312. Game module 504 presents the game ofchance to the player on display 310.

In one embodiment, the player is identified 2301 using gaming device 114as described above. A game entry interface or entry point is presented2302 to the player on gaming device 114 using wrapper program module502, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 6. Wrapperprogram module 502 enables 2304 the player to select a game to be playedfrom a plurality of games presented on the game entry interface. Inaddition, wrapper program module 502 may enable 2304 the player toselect one or more game matrices to be used in the game. In oneembodiment, the player selects the game by selecting a game size and agame variety associated with the game that the player wishes to play.For example, the player may select the game to be a Super Gold MineBingo 9 game that is played on a 3×3 player card 812. In the Super GoldMine Bingo game, if the player matches a pattern within a predeterminednumber of ball calls, the player is awarded a payout or a prize. Thepayout or prize is increased as the number of ball calls required tomatch the pattern decreases.

The player is enabled 2306 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $0.25 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 2307 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 2308 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, the player is enabled 2309 to select a pattern 902 andis enabled 2310 to select a number of cards 802 to be played during thegame. In one embodiment, the player is also enabled 2312 to select someor all of the player indicia 808 for each player card 802 as describedabove with reference to FIG. 6. The player selections of the wager, thewinning pattern 902, the number of cards 802, and the player indicia 808may be communicated from gaming device 114 to another computing device300, such as local server 110 and/or WAP server 120, through network108, for example.

A game ticket for the player is issued 2314 to gaming device 114 bylocal server 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing the selected game.The game is presented 2316 to the player by gaming device 114 on display310. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads agame module 504 associated with the selected game, and the selected gamemodule 504 presents 2316 the selected game to the player. As illustratedin FIGS. 24 and 25, the presentation of the game may include displayinga bingo flashboard, one or more player cards 802, and a ball calldisplay on display 310 of gaming device 114.

During play of the game, a plurality of house indicia is selected 2318using randomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAP server 120.Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the game is administered bygaming device 114, randomization device 414 of gaming device 114 is usedto select the house indicia. The house indicia are randomly selectedfrom a pool of numbers between 1 and 30. The house indicia that havebeen selected are compared with player indicia 808 on each player card802 to determine 2320 whether the house indicia match player indicia 808within the selected pattern 902. If a pattern 902 is not matched for aplayer card 802 (i.e., if each player indicia 808 within pattern 902 hasnot been matched by house indicia that have been selected), the gamecontinues unless it is determined 2322 that a predetermined number ofhouse indicia has been selected. In one embodiment of Super Gold MineBingo 9, the predetermined number of house indicia is 22 such that thegame ends after 22 house indicia have been selected. If thepredetermined number of house indicia has been selected, a payout foreach card and/or the game is credited 2323 to the player account, thegame ends 2324, and another game may be selected by the player asdescribed herein. Alternatively, the game may end in any suitable manneras described above.

If a pattern 902 is matched for a player card 802, the number of houseindicia that have been called is determined 2326. For example, if 20house indicia have been called before pattern 902 is matched, thedetermined number of house indicia is 20. A payout or a prize isdetermined 2328 based on the number of house indicia called. The payoutor prize may be determined using a pay table associated with theselected game and the selected pattern 902.

If the predetermined number of house indicia has not been selected, thegame continues and new house indicia are selected 2318 as describedabove. However, once the predetermined number of house indicia have beenselected, the game ends 2324.

After the game ends 2324, gaming device 114 determines 2330 whethersufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e., to playanother game). If sufficient credits are not available, the player isprompted to insert 2332 additional cash or credits to continue. Ifsufficient credits are available, the player is presented with severaloptions. The player may select 2334 a cash out button or icon in whichcase the playing session or the game session ends 2336 and the player ispaid any remaining credits or money. The player may also select 2338 aplay button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, to repeat the gameusing the same game selections (e.g., the same player cards, the samewager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket is issued 2314 andmethod 2300 continues as described above. Alternatively, the player isenabled 2340 to change the game and/or the game characteristics afterthe game ends (and before a new game is started). For example, theplayer may select a new game, a new game size, and/or a new gamevariation to play. The player may additionally or alternatively select anew wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to be played,and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 2314 andmethod 2300 may continue as described above.

If the player selects a keno game, such as a Super Gold Mine Keno game,the game may operate in a similar manner as described above unlessotherwise specified. For example, the player may select the game to beplayed from the game entry point and may select the player card ormatrix to be used during the game. The player may select the size of thegame and/or matrix, such as an 80 number, a 49 number, a 25 number, orany other size of game and/or matrix. The player may enter a wager andmay select the number of cards or matrices to be used during the game,and may select the number of player indicia and the specific playerindicia to be displayed on each card or matrix. The cards or matricesmay be played in one game, and/or in one or more future games. Inaddition, the keno games may be played on any gaming device 114described herein and/or may be played across a local area network, awide area network, and/or any other suitable network as described hereinwith one or more fixed and/or progressive prizes. Both “straight” gametickets and “way” game tickets may be used.

During play of the Super Gold Mine Keno game, a predetermined number ofhouse indicia are called based on the keno game variety selected. Forexample, in a game in which numbers are selected from a pool of 80numbers (i.e., an 80 number or 80 spot game), 20 house indicia may becalled. However, it should be recognized that any suitable number ofhouse indicia may be called during the game. After the predeterminednumber of house indicia are called, the game ends. The player may winone or more prizes based on a number of called house indicia that matchthe player indicia on the player cards according to a pay tableassociated with the game being played. For example, the player may win10 credits if 6 player indicia within a card are matched by the houseindicia called during the game.

In one embodiment in which the Super Gold Mine Keno game is played withmultiple players competing for a common prize, such as a progressiveprize, the player or players that achieve a predetermined number ofmatches such as matching or “catching” 10 player indicia in a 10 spotgame, win or split the prize and/or the player who has the highestnumber of player indicia matched wins a separate common prize. If two ormore players tie for the highest number of matches (i.e., the playershave the same number of player indicia matched by the called houseindicia), the prize is split between the players who tied. The commonprize may be in addition to a normal or fixed prize that each player maywin based on the number of player indicia matched during the game and/orprogressive prizes as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 24, a screenshot 2400 of a user interface 2402 thatmay be presented during execution of method 2300 is illustrated. Userinterface 2402 may include a bingo flashboard 1502, a player card icon1504, and a ball call display 1506. In addition, user interface 2402 mayinclude a plurality of user interface icons 1508 that may be selected tointeract with the game and/or to change the game or the characteristicsof the game. User interface 2402 is similar to user interface 1501(shown in FIG. 15), and similar components are labeled in FIG. 24 withthe same reference numerals used in FIG. 15.

Bingo flashboard 1502 is displayed with the numbers 1-10 in the firstcolumn below the letter “M,” the numbers 11-20 in the second columnbelow the letter “I,” and the numbers 21-30 in the third column belowthe letter “N.” Alternatively, any suitable indicia may be used insteadof numbers. As each house indicia is selected during the play of thegame, a corresponding number (or other indicia) of bingo flashboard 1502is highlighted or at least partially covered by a symbol indicative ofthe selected house indicia.

In one embodiment, player card 802 is displayed as a selectable playercard icon 1504 having a 3×3 matrix of spaces 806. Each space 806 ofplayer card icon 1504 includes a player indicia 808 that has beenselected by the player and/or selected by gaming device 114, localserver 110, or WAP server 120. Alternatively, only the spaces 806covered by the selected pattern are filled with player indicia 808. Inone embodiment, the player may select player card icon 1504 to changeplayer card 802, to select new player indicia 808, and/or to select anew pattern 902 for player card 802.

Ball call display 1506 illustrates the number of balls (or other houseindicia) that have been selected or called during the play of the game.In addition, the total number of balls that may be called during thegame may be displayed. As each new ball is called, the number displayedin ball call display 1506 is incremented.

User interface icons 1508 may include a pay table icon 1510 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add cards icon 1512, abet 1 icon 1514, a wager icon 1516, a bet max icon 1518, a change gameicon 1520, and a play icon 1522. Alternatively, one or more userinterface icons 1508 may be omitted and/or replaced by other suitableicons. User interface icons 1508 are described above with reference toFIG. 15 and operate similarly thereto.

Referring to FIG. 25, another screenshot 2500 of user interface 2402that may be presented during execution of method 2300 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 25 illustrates user interface 2402 while thegame is being played. For example, 21 house indicia have been called outof a maximum of 22 house indicia.

In the example shown, the player has matched the selected pattern 902within 21 house indicia (or within 21 ball calls) by matching the calledhouse indicia to player indicia 808 within the selected coverall pattern1116. Accordingly, the player will receive a payout or a prize based onan associated pay table. The payout or prize may be increased since lessthan 22 house indicia were required to be called for pattern 902 to bematched.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of a method 2600 of playing another game ofchance that may be used with the systems and methods described herein.FIGS. 27 and 28 are example screenshots of the game that may bepresented to the player during play of the game when method 2600 isexecuted. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls a gamemodule 504 associated with the game of chance when the player selectsthe game using user interface 312. Game module 504 presents the game ofchance to the player on display 310.

In one embodiment, the player is identified 2601. A game entry interfaceor entry point is presented 2602 to the player on gaming device 114using wrapper program module 502, for example, as described above withreference to FIG. 6. Wrapper program module 502 enables 2604 the playerto select a game to be played from a plurality of games presented on thegame entry interface. In addition, wrapper program module 502 may enable2604 the player to select one or more game matrices to be used in thegame. In one embodiment, the player selects the game by selecting a gamesize and a game variety associated with the game that the player wishesto play. For example, the player may select the game to be a SuperPattern Bingo 25 game that is played on a 5×5 player card 804. In theSuper Pattern Bingo game, a list of available patterns is provided. Theplayer receives a payout for each pattern in the list of availablepatterns that is matched by the called house indicia during a game.Accordingly, the player is not limited to only matching a single patternand receiving a single payout during the game.

The player is enabled 2606 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $1 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 2607 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 2608 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, the player is enabled 2609 to select a number of cards802 to be played during the game. In one embodiment, the player is alsoenabled 2610 to select some or all of the player indicia 808 for eachplayer card 802 as described above with reference to FIG. 6. The playerselections of the wager, the number of cards 802, and the player indicia808 may be communicated from gaming device 114 to another computingdevice 300, such as local server 110 and/or WAP server 120, throughnetwork 108, for example. It should be noted that, as described above,the player does not pick winning pattern 902 to be matched. Rather, alist of predetermined patterns 902 are provided, and each pattern 902 isable to be matched during the game. Alternatively, the player may selectone or more patterns 902 and/or may create one or more patterns 902 tobe used during the game in addition to, or alternative to, thepredetermined patterns 902 provided. In such an embodiment, anadditional amount of money or credits may be required to be receivedfrom the player to play the game.

A game ticket for the player is issued 2612 to gaming device 114 bylocal server 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing the selected game.The game is presented 2614 to the player by gaming device 114 on display310. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads agame module 504 associated with the selected game, and the selected gamemodule 504 presents 2614 the selected game to the player. As illustratedin FIGS. 24 and 25, the presentation of the game may include displayinga bingo flashboard, one or more player cards 802, and a ball calldisplay on display 310 of gaming device 114. In one embodiment, a paytable is displayed during the presentation of the game.

During play of the game, a plurality of house indicia is selected 2616using randomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAP server 120.Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the game is administered bygaming device 114, randomization device 414 of gaming device 114 is usedto select the house indicia. The house indicia are randomly selectedfrom a pool of numbers between 1 and 75. The house indicia that havebeen selected are compared with player indicia 808 on each player card802 to determine 2618 whether the house indicia match player indicia 808within any available pattern 902.

If a pattern 902 is not matched for a player card 802 (i.e., if eachplayer indicia 808 within each available pattern 902 has not beenmatched by house indicia that have been selected), the game continuesunless it is determined 2620 that a predetermined number of houseindicia has been selected. In one embodiment of Super Pattern Bingo 25,the predetermined number of house indicia is 30 such that the game endsafter 30 house indicia have been selected. If the predetermined numberof house indicia has been selected, a payout for each player card and/orthe game is credited 2621 to the player account, the game ends 2622, andanother game may be selected by the player or the player may change thegame characteristics or criteria as described herein.

If one or more patterns 902 are matched for a player card 802, a payoutor a prize is determined 2624 for each matched pattern 902 based on theassociated pay table. For example, if both a double pattern and a letterU pattern are matched, a payout is determined and awarded to the playerfor each of the double pattern and the letter U pattern.

If the predetermined number of house indicia has not been selected, thegame continues and new house indicia are selected 2616 as describedabove. However, once the predetermined number of house indicia have beenselected, the game ends 2622.

After the game ends 2622, gaming device 114 determines 2626 whethersufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e., to playanother game). If sufficient credits are not available, the player isprompted to insert 2628 additional cash or credits to continue. Ifsufficient credits are available, the player is presented with severaloptions. The player may select 2630 a cash out button or icon in whichcase the playing session or the game session ends 2632 and the player ispaid any remaining credits or money. The player may also select 2634 aplay button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, to repeat the gameusing the same game selections (e.g., the same player cards, the samewager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket is issued 2612 andmethod 2600 continues as described above. Alternatively, the player isenabled 2636 to change the game and/or the game characteristics afterthe game ends (and before a new game is started). For example, theplayer may select a new game, a new game size, and/or a new gamevariation to play. The player may additionally or alternatively select anew wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to be played,and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 2612 andmethod 2600 may continue as described above.

If the player selects a keno game, such as a Super Multi-Step Keno game,the game may operate in a similar manner as described above unlessotherwise specified. For example, the player may select the game to beplayed from the game entry point and may select the player card ormatrix to be used during the game. The player may select the size of thegame and/or matrix, such as an 80 number, a 49 number, a 25 number, orany other size of game and/or matrix. The player may enter a wager andmay select the number of cards or matrices to be used during the game,and may select the player indicia to be played and displayed on eachcard or matrix. The cards or matrices may be played in one game, and/orin one or more future games. In addition, the keno games may be playedon any gaming device 114 described herein and/or may be played across alocal area network, a wide area network, and/or any other suitablenetwork as described herein with one or more fixed and/or progressiveprizes.

The amount wagered by the player may determine the number and/orcombination of player indicia to be matched during the game. Morespecifically, the player may play a plurality of concurrent multi-spotcards based on the number of credits wagered. For example, if a playerwagers 10 credits and selects or “quick picks” the numbers 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 for the player indicia to be used duringthe game, the player may play a 1 credit 1-spot game using number 11, a2 credit 2-spot game using numbers 11 and 12, a 3 credit 3-spot gameusing numbers 11, 12, and 13, and so forth up to and including a 10credit 10-spot game using numbers 11-20. The player may therefore win aplurality of prizes if sufficient numbers are matched.

During play of the Super Multi-Step Keno game, a predetermined number ofhouse indicia are called based on the keno game variety selected. Forexample, in a game in which numbers are selected from a pool of 80numbers (i.e., an 80 number or 80 spot game), 20 house indicia may becalled. However, it should be recognized that any suitable number ofhouse indicia may be called during the game. After the predeterminednumber of house indicia are called, the game ends. As described above,the player may win one or more prizes based on a number of called houseindicia that match the player indicia on the player cards according toone or more pay tables associated with the game being played in asimilar manner as described above.

In one embodiment in which the Super Multi-Step Keno game is played withmultiple players competing for a common prize, such as a progressiveprize, the player or players that achieve a predetermined number ofmatches such as matching or “catching” 7 player indicia in a 7 spot gamewithin a 49 number matrix, win or split the prize and/or the player whohas the highest number of player indicia matched wins a separate commonprize. If two or more players tie for the highest number of matches(i.e., the players have the same number of player indicia matched by thecalled house indicia), the prize is split between the players who tied.The common prize may be in addition to a normal or fixed prize that eachplayer may win based on the number of player indicia matched during thegame and/or progressive prizes as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 27, a screenshot 2700 of a user interface 2702 thatmay be presented during execution of method 2600 is illustrated. Userinterface 2702 may include a bingo flashboard 1502, a player card icon1504, and a ball call display 1506. In addition, user interface 2702 mayinclude a pay table 2704 and a plurality of user interface icons 1508that may be selected to interact with the game and/or to change the gameor the characteristics of the game. User interface 2702 is similar touser interface 1501 (shown in FIG. 15), and similar components arelabeled in FIG. 27 with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 15.

Bingo flashboard 1502 is displayed with the numbers 1-15 in the columnbelow the letter “B,” the numbers 16-30 in the column below the letter“I,” the numbers 31-45 in the column below the letter “N,” the numbers46-60 in the column below the letter “G,” and the numbers 61-75 underthe letter “O.” Alternatively, any suitable indicia may be used insteadof numbers. In one embodiment, any suitable matrices may be used, or nomatrices may be used. As each house indicia is selected during the playof the game, a corresponding number (or other indicia) of bingoflashboard 1502 is highlighted or at least partially covered by a symbolindicative of the selected house indicia.

In one embodiment, player card 802 is displayed as a selectable playercard icon 1504 having a 5×5 matrix of spaces 806. Each space 806 ofplayer card icon 1504 includes a player indicia 808 that has beenselected by the player and/or selected by gaming device 114, localserver 110, or WAP server 120. Alternatively, only the spaces 806covered by the selected pattern are filled with player indicia 808. Inone embodiment, the player may select player card icon 1504 to changeplayer card 802 and/or to select new player indicia 808 for player card802.

Ball call display 1506 illustrates the number of balls (or other houseindicia) that have been selected or called during the play of the game.In addition, the total number of balls that may be called during thegame may be displayed. As each new ball is called, the number displayedin ball call display 1506 is incremented.

User interface icons 1508 may include a pay table icon 1510 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add cards icon 1512, abet 1 icon 1514, a wager icon 1516, a bet max icon 1518, a change gameicon 1520, and a play icon 1522. Alternatively, one or more userinterface icons 1508 may be omitted and/or replaced by other suitableicons. User interface icons 1508 are described above with reference toFIG. 15 and operate similarly thereto.

Pay table 2704 displays a list 2706 of available patterns 902 and apayout 2708 for each pattern 902. In one embodiment, payout 2708 foreach pattern 902 is automatically adjusted (e.g., increased) when theplayer selects bet 1 icon 1514 or bet max icon 1518. In one embodiment,payouts 2708 are predetermined multiples of the wagered amount. If apattern 902 is matched during the play of the game, in one embodiment, acorresponding line in pay table 2704 is highlighted to indicate that theplayer won the highlighted payout 2708. In the alternative, the payoutsmay be increased as higher numbers of credits are bet or higherdenominations or increments of bets are made.

Referring to FIG. 28, another screenshot 2800 of user interface 2702that may be presented during execution of method 2600 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 28 illustrates user interface 2702 while thegame is being played. For example, all 30 house indicia have been calledout of a maximum of 30 house indicia.

In the example shown, the player has matched three patterns 902: adouble pattern, a 6 pack pattern, and a letter X pattern. Accordingly,the player receives a payout for each pattern 902 matched. In theexample shown, the player receives 5 credits for matching the doublepattern, 10 credits for matching the 6 pack pattern, and 25 credits formatching the letter X pattern.

In another embodiment, various patterns 902 are activated or “unlocked”for play as additional credits are bet. Each activated pattern wins apayout if the pattern is matched during the play of the game. Forexample, in the example shown in FIG. 28, a bet of 1 credit may activatethe double pattern, a bet of 2 credits activates the 6 pack pattern inaddition to the double pattern, a bet of 3 credits activates the letterT pattern in addition to the double pattern and the 6 pack pattern, andso on until a number of maximum credits bet activates a maximum numberof patterns. It should be recognized that any suitable amount of creditsmay activate each pattern, or a group of patterns may be activated byany suitable number of credits.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of a method 2900 of playing another game ofchance that may be used with the systems and methods described herein.FIGS. 30-32 are example screenshots of the game that may be presented tothe player during play of the game when method 2900 is executed. In oneembodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls a game module 504associated with the game of chance when the player selects the gameusing user interface 312. Game module 504 presents the game of chance tothe player on display 310.

In one embodiment, the player is identified 2901 using gaming device 114as described above. A game entry interface or entry point is presented2902 to the player on gaming device 114 using wrapper program module502, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 6. Wrapperprogram module 502 enables 2904 the player to select a game to be playedfrom a plurality of games presented on the game entry interface. Inaddition, wrapper program module 502 may enable 2904 the player toselect one or more game matrices to be used in the game. In oneembodiment, the player selects the game by selecting a game size and agame variety associated with the game that the player wishes to play.For example, the player may select the game to be a Super Wild Bingo 16game that is played on a 4×4 player card 810. In the Super Wild Bingogame, if the player receives a wild or bonus ball, a pattern 902 willautomatically be completed if just one ball remains to be matched withinpattern 902.

The player is enabled 2906 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $1 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 2907 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 2908 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, the player is enabled 2909 to select a pattern 902 andis enabled 2910 to select a number of cards 802 to be played during thegame. In one embodiment, the player is also enabled 2912 to select someor all of the player indicia 808 for each player card 802 as describedabove with reference to FIG. 6. The player selections of the wager, thewinning pattern 902, the number of cards 802, and the player indicia 808may be communicated from gaming device 114 to another computing device300, such as local server 110 and/or WAP server 120, through network108, for example.

A game ticket for the player is issued 2914 to gaming device 114 bylocal server 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing the selected game.The game is presented 2916 to the player by gaming device 114 on display310. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads agame module 504 associated with the selected game, and the selected gamemodule 504 presents 2916 the selected game to the player. As illustratedin FIGS. 30-32, the presentation of the game may include displaying abingo flashboard, one or more player cards 802, and a ball call displayon display 310 of gaming device 114.

During play of the game, a plurality of house indicia is selected 2918using randomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAP server 120.Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the game is administered bygaming device 114, randomization device 414 of gaming device 114 is usedto select the house indicia. The house indicia are randomly selectedfrom a pool of numbers between 1 and 48, and one or more of the selectedhouse indicia may be designated or randomly selected to be a bonus ball(also referred to as a wild ball).

Gaming device 114, local server 110, or WAP server 120 determines 2920whether a bonus ball has been received during the calling of the houseindicia. If a bonus ball has been received, gaming device 114, localserver 110, or WAP server 120 determines 2922 whether all but 1 playerindicia have been matched within pattern 902 by the called house indicia(i.e., whether only 1 house indicia is missing to match the pattern). Ifonly 1 player indicia 808 remains to be matched, pattern 902 isautomatically matched or completed 2924 using the bonus ball and apayout is determined 2926 for the completed pattern 902. However, ifmore than 1 player indicia 808 remains to be matched within pattern 902,method 2900 returns to selecting 2918 a new house indicia.

If no bonus ball was received, the house indicia that have been selectedare compared with player indicia 808 on each player card 802 todetermine 2928 whether the house indicia match each player indicia 808within the selected pattern 902. If a pattern 902 is not matched for aplayer card 802 (i.e., if each player indicia 808 within pattern 902 hasnot been matched by house indicia that have been selected), the gamecontinues unless it is determined 2930 that a predetermined number ofhouse indicia has been selected. In one embodiment of Super Wild Bingo16, the predetermined number of house indicia is 38 such that the gameends after 38 house indicia have been selected. If the predeterminednumber of house indicia has been selected, a payout for each player cardand/or the game is credited 2931 to the player account, the game ends2932, and another game may be selected by the player as describedherein.

If a pattern 902 is matched for a player card 802, a payout or prize isdetermined 2926 and is awarded to the player. The payout or prize isbased on a pay table associated with the selected game and the selectedpattern.

If the predetermined number of house indicia has not been selected, thegame continues and new house indicia are selected 2918 as describedabove. However, once the predetermined number of house indicia have beenselected, the game ends 2932. In one embodiment, the house indicia maybe selected until all house indicia have been exhausted (i.e., all houseindicia from the total pool of available house indicia have beenselected) which will unavoidably complete the selected pattern 902. Insuch an embodiment, the player may receive 0 credits, or may receive aprize based on exhausting all house indicia.

After the game ends 2932, gaming device 114 determines 2934 whethersufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e., to playanother game). If sufficient credits are not available, the player isprompted to insert 2936 additional cash or credits to continue. Ifsufficient credits are available, the player is presented with severaloptions. The player may select 2938 a cash out button or icon in whichcase the playing session or the game session ends 2940 and the player ispaid any remaining credits or money. The player may also select 2942 aplay button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, to repeat the gameusing the same game selections (e.g., the same player cards, the samewager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket is issued 2914 andmethod 2900 continues as described above. Alternatively, the player isenabled 2944 to change the game and/or the game characteristics afterthe game ends (and before a new game is started). For example, theplayer may select a new game, a new game size, and/or a new gamevariation to play. The player may additionally or alternatively select anew wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to be played,and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 2914 andmethod 2900 may continue as described above.

If the player selects a keno game, such as a Super Wild Keno game, thegame may operate in a similar manner as described above unless otherwisespecified. For example, the player may select the game to be played fromthe game entry point and may select the player card or matrix to be usedduring the game. The player may select the size of the game and/ormatrix, such as an 80 number, a 49 number, a 25 number, or any othersize of game and/or matrix. The player may enter a wager and may selectthe number of cards or matrices to be used during the game, and mayselect the number of player indicia and the specific player indicia tobe displayed on each card or matrix. The cards or matrices may be playedin one game, and/or in one or more future games. In addition, the kenogames may be played on any gaming device 114 described herein and/or maybe played across a local area network, a wide area network, and/or anyother suitable network as described herein with one or more fixed and/orprogressive prizes. Both “straight” game tickets and “way” game ticketsmay be used.

During play of the Super Wild Keno game, a predetermined number of houseindicia are called based on the keno game variety selected. For example,in a game in which numbers are selected from a pool of 80 numbers (i.e.,an 80 number or 80 spot game), 20 house indicia may be called. However,it should be recognized that any suitable number of house indicia may becalled during the game. In addition, a random chance is provided toselect a bonus ball or bonus indicia that is separate from the calledhouse indicia.

If the player indicia matches one or more bonus balls, one or moreplayer indicia that have not yet been matched by the called houseindicia may automatically be matched. In one embodiment, the number ofplayer indicia matched is enough to qualify the player to win a prizeaccording to an associated pay table. For example, if the player hasonly matched 3 spots or player indicia on a card and 4 spots or playerindicia are needed for a win, an additional player indicia may bematched if a bonus ball is received. In another embodiment, if theplayer has matched enough spots or player indicia to qualify for aprize, the prize will be increased to the next level if a bonus ball isreceived. For example, if the player has matched 6 player indicia orspots to qualify for a win (e.g., 10 credits), receiving a bonus ballwill automatically match one more player indicia to qualify the playerto win a prize (e.g., 20 credits) as if the player had matched 7 playerindicia or spots.

After the predetermined number of house indicia are called, the gameends. The player may win one or more prizes based on a number of calledhouse indicia that match the player indicia on the player cardsaccording to a pay table associated with the game being played in asimilar manner as described above.

In one embodiment in which the Super Wild Keno game is played withmultiple players competing for a common prize, such as a progressiveprize, the player or players that achieve a predetermined number ofmatches such as matching or “catching” 7 player indicia in a 7 spot gamewithin a 49 number matrix, win or split the prize and/or the player whohas the highest number of player indicia matched wins a separate commonprize. If two or more players tie for the highest number of matches(i.e., the players have the same number of player indicia matched by thecalled house indicia), the prize is split between the players who tied.The common prize may be in addition to a normal or fixed prize that eachplayer may win based on the number of player indicia matched during thegame and/or progressive prizes as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 30, a screenshot 3000 of a user interface 3002 thatmay be presented during execution of method 2900 is illustrated. Userinterface 3002 may include a bingo flashboard 1502, a player card icon1504, and a ball call display 1506. In addition, user interface 3002 mayinclude a plurality of user interface icons 1508 that may be selected tointeract with the game and/or to change the game or the characteristicsof the game. User interface 3002 is similar to user interface 1501(shown in FIG. 15), and similar components are labeled in FIG. 30 withthe same reference numerals used in FIG. 15.

Bingo flashboard 1502 is displayed with the numbers 1-12 in the firstcolumn below the first letter “B,” the numbers 13-24 in the secondcolumn below the letter “A,” the numbers 25-36 in the third column belowthe second letter “B,” and the numbers 37-48 in the fourth column belowthe letter “Y.” Alternatively, any suitable indicia may be used insteadof numbers and any suitable matrices may be used or no matrices may beused. As each house indicia is selected during the play of the game, acorresponding number (or other indicia) of bingo flashboard 1502 ishighlighted or at least partially covered by a symbol indicative of theselected house indicia.

In one embodiment, player card 802 is displayed as a selectable playercard icon 1504 having a 4×4 matrix of spaces 806. Each space 806 ofplayer card icon 1504 includes a player indicia 808 that has beenselected by the player and/or selected by gaming device 114, localserver 110, or WAP server 120. Alternatively, only the spaces 806covered by the selected pattern are filled with player indicia 808. Inone embodiment, the player may select player card icon 1504 to changeplayer card 802 and/or to select new player indicia 808 and/or a newpattern 902 for player card 802.

Ball call display 1506 illustrates the number of balls (or other houseindicia) that have been selected or called during the play of the game.In addition, the total number of balls that may be called during thegame may be displayed. As each new ball is called, the number displayedin ball call display 1506 is incremented. In one embodiment, if a bonusball is received or selected, an image representative of the bonus ballis displayed within ball call display 1506 or within another portion ofuser interface 3002.

User interface icons 1508 may include a pay table icon 1510 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add cards icon 1512, abet 1 icon 1514, a wager icon 1516, a bet max icon 1518, a change gameicon 1520, and a play icon 1522. Alternatively, one or more userinterface icons 1508 may be omitted and/or replaced by other suitableicons. User interface icons 1508 are described above with reference toFIG. 15 and operate similarly thereto.

Referring to FIG. 31, another screenshot 3100 of user interface 3002that may be presented during execution of method 2900 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 31 illustrates user interface 3002 while thegame is being played. For example, 30 house indicia have been called outof a maximum of 38 house indicia. As illustrated, a bonus ball 3102 hasbeen received during the ball calls. In one embodiment, bonus ball 3102does not take the place of a selected house indicia. Accordingly, ifbonus ball 3102 is received or selected on the 30th ball call, 30 houseindicia will have been called in addition to bonus ball 3102. Therefore,in one embodiment, while each house indicia is randomly determined,there is a random chance of receiving bonus ball 3102 at each ball call.

In the example shown, the player has not matched the selected pattern902 on any player card 802 within 30 house indicia (or within 30 ballcalls). While bonus ball 3102 was received at the 30th ball call, eachpattern 902 is missing more than one player indicia 808 to be matched byhouse indicia. Accordingly, no pattern 902 is automatically completed bybonus ball 3102 and the game continues.

Referring to FIG. 32, another screenshot 3200 of user interface 3002that may be presented during execution of method 2900 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 32 illustrates user interface 3002 while thegame is continued after the point shown in FIG. 31.

In the example shown, 36 house indicia have been called out of a maximumof 38 house indicia. As illustrated, at ball call 36, the top leftplayer card 802 matched a newly drawn house indicia such that only 1player indicia 808 remained to be matched within pattern 902. As bonusball 3102 had previously been received, bonus ball 3102 automaticallycompletes pattern 902 in the top left player card 802 by matching theplayer indicia 808 that had not been matched by called house indicia.Accordingly, the player receives a payout or a prize for the matchedpattern 902 of the top left player card 802.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of a method 3300 of playing yet another gameof chance that may be used with the systems and methods describedherein. FIGS. 34 and 35 are example screenshots of the game that may bepresented to the player during play of the game when method 3300 isexecuted. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls a gamemodule 504 associated with the game of chance when the player selectsthe game using user interface 312. Game module 504 presents the game ofchance to the player on display 310.

In one embodiment, the player is identified 3301 using gaming device 114as described above. A game entry interface or entry point is presented3302 to the player on gaming device 114 using wrapper program module502, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 6. Wrapperprogram module 502 enables 3304 the player to select a game to be playedfrom a plurality of games presented on the game entry interface. Inaddition, wrapper program module 502 may enable 3304 the player toselect one or more game matrices to be used in the game. In oneembodiment, the player selects the game by selecting a game size and agame variety associated with the game that the player wishes to play.For example, the player may select the game to be a Super Wide Bingo 16game that is played on a 4×4 player card 810. In the Super Wide Bingogame, the player competes with other players across a wide area network(or another suitable network) to win one or more progressive prizes. Theplayer may also compete locally with other players across a local areanetwork to win one or more local prizes and may compete individuallyagainst gaming device 114 to win one or more individual prizes.

Gaming device 114 connects 3306 to a progressive server, such as WAPserver 120, to enable the progressive server to at least partiallyadminister the game. For example, the progressive server may administerthe incrementing and distribution of the progressive prizes. In oneembodiment, the progressive server also administers the game itself.

The player is enabled 3308 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $0.25 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 3309 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 3310 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, in one embodiment, the player is enabled 3311 to selecta pattern 902 to be used during the game. Alternatively, a predeterminedpattern, such as a coverall pattern, is used for the game. The player isenabled 3312 to select a number of cards 802 to be played during thegame. In one embodiment, the player is also enabled 3314 to select someor all of the player indicia 808 for each player card 802 as describedabove with reference to FIG. 6. The player selections of the wager, thewinning pattern 902, the number of cards 802, and/or the player indicia808 may be communicated from gaming device 114 to another computingdevice 300, such as local server 110 and/or WAP server 120, throughnetwork 108, for example.

A game ticket for the player is issued 3316 to gaming device 114 bylocal server 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing the selected game.In addition, gaming device 114 receives 3318 updated prize amounts fromthe progressive server to be displayed to the player. For example, aportion of the player's wager may be apportioned to one or moreprogressive prizes, as well as a portion of the wagers of each otherplayer competing for the progressive prizes. The progressive server maytransmit the updated progressive prize amounts to gaming device 114 ofeach player competing for the progressive prize when all wagers havebeen received or when another suitable event occurs. In anotherembodiment, the updated progressive prize amounts may be displayed inany suitable manner remotely from gaming devices 114.

The game is presented 3320 to the player by gaming device 114 on display310. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads agame module 504 associated with the selected game, and the selected gamemodule 504 presents 3320 the selected game to the player. As illustratedin FIGS. 34 and 35, the presentation of the game may include displayinga bingo flashboard, one or more player cards 802, and a ball calldisplay on display 310 of gaming device 114. The presentation of thegame may also include displaying 3322 a plurality of progressive prizes,such as the updated amounts of the progressive prizes described above.In addition, a bingo jackpot prize may be displayed when the gameincludes a plurality of players. When one or more of the plurality ofplayers completes pattern 902, the bingo jackpot prize is awarded asdesired similar to conventional forms of bingo. The bingo jackpot prizemay be in the form of a pari-mutuel, progressive, fixed, or any othersuitable form of prize. In one embodiment, the first player to achieveor win the bingo jackpot prize is displayed 3323 to all players orgaming devices 114 of players who are playing to win the prize.

During play of the game in which the game is administered by gamingdevice 114, a plurality of house indicia is selected 3324 byrandomization device 414 of each gaming device 114. In such anembodiment, each player competing for the progressive prizes uses aseparate randomization device 414, such as an RNG 414 of each player'sgaming device 114, rather than using a centralized server, such as localserver 110 or WAP server 120, to select the house indicia. Therefore,each gaming device 114 may select 3324 a different set of house indiciafor the same game. In one embodiment, each gaming device 114 conductsball draws (i.e., selects house indicia) asynchronously with respect toeach other gaming device 114, as described above with reference to FIG.7. Alternatively, each gaming device 114 conducts ball drawssynchronously with respect to each other gaming device 114, such as byconducting the ball draws upon receipt of a synchronizing signal fromWAP server 120, as described above with reference to FIG. 7.Alternatively, the house indicia may be selected 3324 usingrandomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAP server 120. Thehouse indicia are randomly selected from a pool of numbers between 1 and48.

The house indicia that have been selected are compared with playerindicia 808 on each player card 802 to determine 3326 whether the houseindicia match player indicia 808 within the selected pattern 902. If apattern 902 is not matched for a player card 802 (i.e., if each playerindicia 808 within pattern 902 has not been matched by house indiciathat have been selected), the game continues unless it is determined3328 that a predetermined number of house indicia has been selected. Inone embodiment of Super Wide Bingo 16, the predetermined number of houseindicia is 36 such that the game ends after 36 house indicia have beenselected. If the predetermined number of house indicia has beenselected, a payout for each player card and/or the game is credited 3329to the player account, the game ends 3330, and another game may beselected by each player as described herein.

If a pattern 902 is matched for a player card 802 for a particularplayer, the number of house indicia that have been called is determined3332 (i.e., the number of house indicia that were required to be calledto match the pattern). For example, if 28 house indicia have been calledbefore pattern 902 is matched, the determined number of house indicia is28. A payout or a prize is determined 3334 based on the number of houseindicia called. The payout or prize may be determined using a pay tableassociated with the selected game and the selected pattern 902.

If the predetermined number of house indicia has not been selected, thegame continues and new house indicia are selected 3324 as describedabove. Accordingly, if one player has won a prize, each other playercontinues to play to win other prizes until the predetermined number ofhouse indicia has been selected. If two or more players match therequired pattern to win the same prize with the same number of ballcalls, the prize may be split between the players, or each player whomatched the pattern may receive the full or partial prize. In oneembodiment, if a player wins a progressive prize, WAP server 120 maytransmit a message or another notification to gaming device 114 of eachother player identifying the progressive prize won, the number of ballcalls that occurred before the prize was won, and/or a city and state inwhich the winner is playing the game.

Once the predetermined number of house indicia have been selected, thegame ends 3330. After the game ends 3330, gaming device 114 determines3336 whether sufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e.,to play another game). If sufficient credits are not available, theplayer is prompted to insert 3338 additional cash or credits tocontinue. If sufficient credits are available, the player is presentedwith several options. The player may select 3340 a cash out button oricon in which case the playing session or the game session ends 3342 andthe player is paid any remaining credits or money. The player may alsoselect 3344 a play button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, torepeat the game using the same game selections (e.g., the same playercards, the same wager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket isissued 3316 and method 3300 continues as described above. Alternatively,the player is enabled 3346 to change the game and/or the gamecharacteristics after the game ends (and before a new game is started).For example, the player may select a new game, a new game size, and/or anew game variation to play. The player may additionally or alternativelyselect a new wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to beplayed, and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in asimilar manner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 3316and method 3300 may continue as described above.

Referring to FIG. 34, a screenshot 3400 of a user interface 3402 thatmay be presented during execution of method 3300 is illustrated. Userinterface 3402 may include a bingo flashboard 1502, a player card icon1504, and a ball call display 1506. In addition, user interface 3402 mayinclude a pay table 3404 and a plurality of user interface icons 1508that may be selected to interact with the game and/or to change the gameor the characteristics of the game. User interface 3402 is similar touser interface 1501 (shown in FIG. 15) and user interface 2702 (shown inFIG. 27), and similar components are labeled in FIG. 34 with the samereference numerals used in FIG. 15 and FIG. 27.

Bingo flashboard 1502 is displayed with the numbers 1-12 in the firstcolumn below the first letter “B,” the numbers 13-24 in the secondcolumn below the letter “A,” the numbers 25-36 in the third column belowthe second letter “B,” and the numbers 37-48 in the fourth column belowthe letter “Y.” Alternatively, any suitable indicia may be used insteadof numbers. As each house indicia is selected during the play of thegame, a corresponding number (or other indicia) of bingo flashboard 1502is highlighted or at least partially covered by a symbol indicative ofthe selected house indicia.

In one embodiment, player card 802 is displayed as a selectable playercard icon 1504 having a 4×4 matrix of spaces 806. Each space 806 ofplayer card icon 1504 includes a player indicia 808 that has beenselected by the player and/or selected by gaming device 114, localserver 110, or WAP server 120. Alternatively, only the spaces 806covered by the selected pattern are filled with player indicia 808. Inone embodiment, the player may select player card icon 1504 to changeplayer card 802 and/or to select new player indicia 808 and/or a newpattern 902 for player card 802.

Ball call display 1506 illustrates the number of balls (or other houseindicia) that have been selected or called during the play of the game.In addition, the total number of balls that may be called during thegame may be displayed. As each new ball is called, the number displayedin ball call display 1506 is incremented. Ball call display 1506 mayalso show the number of players competing for the progressive prize orprizes as well as a time remaining until the next game begins.

User interface icons 1508 may include a pay table icon 1510 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add 1 card icon 3406, anadd 10 cards icon 3408, a wager icon 3410, a show more cards icon 3412,a change game icon 1520, and a play icon 1522. Alternatively, one ormore user interface icons 1508 may be omitted and/or replaced by othersuitable icons.

Pay table icon 1510 enables the player to view a help screen or a pop-upwindow that describes how the game is played and/or other help topics.In addition, a pay table associated with the game and the selectedpattern may be displayed in the help screen or pop-up window.

Add 1 card icon 3406 enables the player to add 1 more player card 802 tothe game to be played. Add 10 cards icon 3408 enables the player to add10 more player cards 802 to the game to be played. It should berecognized that add 1 card icon 3406 and/or add 10 cards icon 3408 maybe changed to add any suitable number of player cards 802 to the game.In one embodiment, each player card 802 added uses the same pattern 902that the player selected for the first player card 802, and each newplayer card 802 is filled with randomly selected player indicia 808. Inaddition, the same wager is used for each new player card 802.Alternatively, the player may select player indicia 808 and/or the wagerfor each new player card 802 added using the add 1 card icon 3406 andthe add 10 cards icon 3408.

Wager icon 3410 enables the player to change the wager amount orincrement for each player card 802 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above with reference to FIG. 15. For example, theplayer may select wager icon 3410 to change the wager amount from $0.25to $1 or to any suitable amount. In one embodiment, the player may entera wager amount to be used for player cards 802 in the game. For example,the player may enter a non-standard amount such as $0.23, $1.12, or anyother suitable amount that is between a predetermined minimum wageramount and a predetermined maximum wager amount.

In one embodiment, local server 110 or WAP server 120 may adjust theprobability of winning when one player bets in different denominationsor increments than other players. The adjustment may be achieved in anysuitable manner such as using additional background cards 802 for theplayer with the higher denomination bet.

Show more cards icon 3412 enables the player to display additionalplayer cards 802 within user interface 3402. For example, if one playercard 802 is shown in user interface 3402, the player may select showmore cards icon 3412 to display a greater number of player cards 802,such as 9 player cards 802 as shown in FIG. 35. In one embodiment, theplayer may enter a number of player cards 802 to be displayed in userinterface 3402 when the player selects show more cards icon 3412.

Change game icon 1520 enables the player to change the game to beplayed. For example, the player may select change game icon 1520 toselect a new game, such as a Super Wild Bingo 25 game that is played ona 5×5 player card 804. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 iscalled when change game icon 1520 is selected. Wrapper program module502 presents a list of the available games to be played to the player.When the player selects a game from the list of available games, wrapperprogram module 502 calls the game module 504 associated with theselected game, and game module 504 presents the new game to the player.It should be understood that the embodiments illustrated and describedherein do not require the availability of each game or game type ongaming device 114. Rather, any number of games or game types, such asone game or game type, may be included within a gaming device 114.

Play icon 1522 enables the player to start the play of the game. Forexample, when the player selects play icon 1522, the house indicia areselected and are compared to player indicia 808 within pattern 902, asdescribed above. In one embodiment, once the game is started, userinterface icons 1508 become grayed out and/or become unable to beselected by the player until the game ends.

Pay table 3404 displays a list 3414 of payouts 3416 for each prize inthe game, which may include, for example a bingo jackpot prize 3418. Inone embodiment, payout 3416 for each prize is automatically adjusted(e.g., increased) when the player enters a wager for the game and/oradds more player cards 802 to the game. For example, bingo jackpot prize3418 may be displayed in the form of a pari-mutuel, progressive, fixed,or any other suitable form of prize. Bingo jackpot prize 3418 may beawarded to the first player or group of players that achieve (or match)the winning pattern associated with bingo jackpot prize 3418, regardlessof the number of ball calls needed to achieve the winning pattern. If apattern 902 is matched during the play of the game, in one embodiment, acorresponding line in pay table 3404 may be highlighted to indicate thatthe player won the highlighted payout 3416.

Referring to FIG. 35, another screenshot 3500 of user interface 3402that may be presented during execution of method 3300 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 35 illustrates user interface 3402 while thegame is being played. For example, 36 house indicia have been called outof a maximum of 36 house indicia.

In the example shown, the player has not matched the selected coverallpattern 918 of any player card 802 within 36 house indicia (or within 36ball calls). However, as indicated in a message at the top of userinterface 3402, a player competing for the same prizes in a remotegaming establishment 102 (e.g., in Pahrump, Nev.) has matched a pattern902 within 32 ball calls to win a bingo prize. It should be recognizedthat the game continued after the remote player won the bingo prize andadditional ball calls were conducted until the maximum number of houseindicia had been selected (e.g., 36 house indicia). Accordingly, aplurality of players competing for the same prizes may each win one ormore of the prizes during the play of the game.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram of a method 3600 of playing yet another gameof chance that may be used with the systems and methods describedherein. FIGS. 37 and 38 are example screenshots of the game that may bepresented to the player during play of the game when method 3600 isexecuted. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls a gamemodule 504 associated with the game of chance when the player selectsthe game using user interface 312. Game module 504 presents the game ofchance to the player on display 310.

When play of the game is initiated, during selection of the game, orduring play of the game, the player may be required to purchase orgenerate credits. The player may purchase or generate credits byinserting cash or a ticket-in-ticket-out voucher into gaming device 114or another device. Alternatively or additionally, the player maytransfer credits or cash to gaming device 114 from banking accounts,credit accounts, gaming establishment accounts, and/or gaming companyaccounts. In one embodiment, computer-generated credits may be used withgaming device 114, for example, as part of a free-to-play game.

In one embodiment, the player is identified 3601 using gaming device114. A game entry interface or entry point is presented 3602 to theplayer on gaming device 114 using wrapper program module 502, forexample, as described above with reference to FIG. 6. Wrapper programmodule 502 enables 3604 the player to select a game to be played from aplurality of games presented on the game entry interface. In addition,wrapper program module 502 may enable 3604 the player to select one ormore game matrices to be used in the game. In one embodiment, the playerselects the game by selecting a game size and a game variety associatedwith the game that the player wishes to play. For example, the playermay select the game to be a Super Local Bingo 16 game that is played ona 4×4 player card 810. In the Super Local Bingo game, the playercompetes with other players across a local area network (or anothersuitable network), such as an internal network 116 within a gamingestablishment 102, to win one or more local prizes.

Gaming device 114 connects 3606 to a local server, such as local server110, to enable the local server to at least partially administer thegame. For example, the local server may administer a plurality of fixedand/or local progressive prizes including incrementing and distributionof the local progressive prizes. In one embodiment, the local serveralso administers the game itself.

The player is enabled 3608 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $0.25 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 3609 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 3610 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, in one embodiment, the player is enabled 3611 to selecta pattern 902 to be used during the game. Alternatively, a predeterminedpattern, such as a coverall pattern, is used for the game. The player isenabled 3612 to select a number of cards 802 to be played during thegame. In one embodiment, the player is also enabled 3614 to select someor all of the player indicia 808 for each player card 802 as describedabove with reference to FIG. 6. The player selections of the wager, thewinning pattern 902, the number of cards 802, and/or the player indicia808 may be communicated from gaming device 114 to the local serverthrough network 108, for example.

In one embodiment, a game ticket for the player is issued 3616 to gamingdevice 114 by the local server for use in playing the selected game. Inaddition, gaming device 114 receives 3618 updated prize amounts from thelocal server to be displayed to the player. For example, a portion ofthe player's wager is apportioned to one or more local progressiveprizes, as well as a portion of the wagers of each other playercompeting for the local progressive prizes. The local server maytransmit the updated local progressive prize amounts to gaming device114 of each player competing for the local progressive prize when allwagers have been received or when another suitable event occurs.

The game is presented 3620 to the player by gaming device 114 on display310. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads agame module 504 associated with the selected game, and the selected gamemodule 504 presents 3620 the selected game to the player. As illustratedin FIGS. 36 and 37, the presentation of the game may include displayinga bingo flashboard, one or more player cards 802, and a ball calldisplay on display 310 of gaming device 114. The presentation of thegame may also include displaying 3622 a plurality of prizes, such as theupdated amounts of the local progressive prizes described above and/or aplurality of fixed prizes based on an associated pay table. As describedabove, a prize that may be displayed 3622 is a bingo jackpot prize thata plurality of players may play to win during the game. In oneembodiment, the first player to achieve or win the bingo jackpot prizeis displayed 3623 to all players or gaming devices 114 of players whoare playing to win the prize.

During play of the game in which the game is administered by gamingdevice 114, a plurality of house indicia is selected 3624 byrandomization device 414 of each gaming device 114 competing for thelocal prizes. In such an embodiment, each player competing for the localprizes uses a separate randomization device 414, such as an RNG 414 ofeach player's gaming device 114, rather than using a centralized server,such as local server 110, to select the house indicia. Therefore, eachgaming device 114 may select a different set of house indicia for thesame game. In one embodiment, each gaming device 114 conducts ball draws(i.e., selects house indicia) asynchronously with respect to each othergaming device 114, as described above with reference to FIG. 7.Alternatively, each gaming device 114 conducts ball draws synchronouslywith respect to each other gaming device 114, such as by conducting theball draws upon receipt of a synchronizing signal from the local serveras described above with reference to FIG. 7. It should be understoodthat neither synchronous nor asynchronous ball draws need be continuousthroughout the ball draw cycle or process. Rather, a mixture ofsynchronous and asynchronous ball draws may be provided during a game.Alternatively, the house indicia may be selected using randomizationdevice 414 of the local server. The house indicia are randomly selectedfrom a pool of numbers between 1 and 48.

The house indicia that have been selected are compared with playerindicia 808 on each player card 802 to determine 3626 whether the houseindicia match player indicia 808 within the selected pattern 902. If apattern 902 is not matched for a player card 802 (i.e., if each playerindicia 808 within pattern 902 has not been matched by house indiciathat have been selected), the game continues unless it is determined3628 that a predetermined number of house indicia has been selected. Inone embodiment, the predetermined number of house indicia is 36 suchthat the game ends after 36 house indicia have been selected. If thepredetermined number of house indicia has been selected, a payout foreach player card and/or the game is credited 3629 to the player account,the game ends 3630, and another game may be selected by each player orthe game may be repeated using the same characteristics and selectionsfrom the prior game as described herein.

If a pattern 902 is matched for a player card 802 of a particularplayer, the number of house indicia that have been called is determined3632 (i.e., the number of house indicia that were required to be calledto match the pattern). For example, if 20 house indicia have been calledbefore pattern 902 is matched, the determined number of house indicia is20. A payout or a prize is determined 3634 based on the number of houseindicia called. The payout or prize may be determined using a pay tableassociated with the selected game and the selected pattern 902.

If the predetermined number of house indicia has not been selected, thegame continues and new house indicia are selected 3624 as describedabove. Accordingly, if one player has won a local progressive prize,each other player continues to play to win other prizes until thepredetermined number of house indicia has been selected. If two or moreplayers match the required pattern to win the same prize (e.g., the samelocal progressive prize) with the same number of ball calls, the prizemay be split between the players, or each player who matched the patternmay receive the full prize or a portion of the prize. In one embodiment,if a player wins a local progressive prize, local server 110 maytransmit a message or another notification to gaming device 114 of eachother player identifying the progressive prize won and the number ofball calls that occurred before the prize was won. In one embodiment,once the progressive prize is awarded, the progressive prize amount isreset to a base amount that is incremented or otherwise changed as theplay of the game continues.

Once the predetermined number of house indicia have been selected, thegame ends 3630. After the game ends 3630, gaming device 114 determines3636 whether sufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e.,to play another game). If sufficient credits are not available, theplayer is prompted to insert 3638 additional cash or credits tocontinue. If sufficient credits are available, the player is presentedwith several options. The player may select 3640 a cash out button oricon in which case the playing session or the game session ends 3642 andthe player is paid any remaining credits or money. The player may alsoselect 3644 a play button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, torepeat the game using the same game selections (e.g., the same playercards, the same wager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket isissued 3616 and method 3600 continues as described above. Alternatively,the player is enabled 3646 to change the game and/or the gamecharacteristics after the game ends (and before a new game is started).For example, the player may select a new game, a new game size, and/or anew game variation to play. The player may additionally or alternativelyselect a new wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to beplayed, and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in asimilar manner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 3616and method 3600 may continue as described above.

Referring to FIG. 37, a screenshot 3700 of a user interface 3702 thatmay be presented during execution of method 3600 is illustrated. Userinterface 3702 may include a bingo flashboard 1502, a player card icon1504, and a ball call display 1506. In addition, user interface 3702 mayinclude a pay table 3404 and a plurality of user interface icons 1508that may be selected to interact with the game and/or to change the gameor the characteristics of the game. User interface 3702 is similar touser interface 1501 (shown in FIG. 15) and user interface 3402 (shown inFIG. 34), and similar components are labeled in FIG. 37 with the samereference numerals used in FIG. 15 and FIG. 34.

Bingo flashboard 1502 is displayed with the numbers 1-12 in the firstcolumn below the first letter “B,” the numbers 13-24 in the secondcolumn below the letter “A,” the numbers 25-36 in the third column belowthe second letter “B,” and the numbers 37-48 in the fourth column belowthe letter “Y.” Alternatively, any suitable indicia may be used insteadof numbers. As each house indicia is selected during the play of thegame, a corresponding number (or other indicia) of bingo flashboard 1502is highlighted or at least partially covered by a symbol indicative ofthe selected house indicia.

In one embodiment, player card 802 is displayed as a selectable playercard icon 1504 having a 4×4 matrix of spaces 806. Each space 806 ofplayer card icon 1504 includes a player indicia 808 that has beenselected by the player and/or selected by gaming device 114 or localserver 110. Alternatively, only the spaces 806 covered by the selectedpattern are filled with player indicia 808. In one embodiment, theplayer may select player card icon 1504 to change player card 802 and/orto select new player indicia 808 for player card 802.

Ball call display 1506 illustrates the number of balls (or other houseindicia) that have been selected or called during the play of the game.In addition, the total number of balls that may be called during thegame may be displayed. As each new ball is called, the number displayedin ball call display 1506 is incremented. Ball call display 1506 mayalso show the number of players competing for the local progressiveprize or prizes as well as a time remaining until the next game begins.

User interface icons 1508 may include a pay table icon 1510 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add 1 card icon 3406, anadd 10 cards icon 3408, a wager icon 3410, a show more cards icon 3412,a change game icon 1520, and a play icon 1522. Alternatively, one ormore user interface icons 1508 may be omitted and/or replaced by othersuitable icons.

Pay table icon 1510 enables the player to view a help screen or a pop-upwindow that describes how the game is played and/or other help topics.In addition, a pay table associated with the game and the selectedpattern may be displayed in the help screen or pop-up window.

Add 1 card icon 3406 enables the player to add 1 more player card 802 tothe game. Add 10 cards icon 3408 enables the player to add 10 moreplayer cards 802 to the game. It should be recognized that add 1 cardicon 3406 and/or add 10 cards icon 3408 may be changed to add anysuitable number of player cards 802 to the game. In one embodiment, eachplayer card 802 added uses the same pattern 902 that the player selectedfor the first player card 802, and each new player card 802 is filledwith randomly selected player indicia 808. In addition, the same wageris used for each new player card 802. Alternatively, the player mayselect player indicia 808 and/or the wager for each new player card 802added using the add 1 card icon 3406 and the add 10 cards icon 3408.

Wager icon 3410 enables the player to change the wager amount orincrement for each player card 802 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above with reference to FIG. 15. For example, theplayer may select wager icon 3410 to change the wager amount from $0.25to $1 or to any suitable amount. In one embodiment, the player may entera wager amount to be used for player cards 802 in the game. For example,the player may enter a non-standard amount such as $0.23, $1.12, or anyother suitable amount that is between a predetermined minimum wageramount and a predetermined maximum wager amount.

Show more cards icon 3412 enables the player to display additionalplayer cards 802 within user interface 3702. For example, if one playercard 802 is shown in user interface 3702, the player may select showmore cards icon 3412 to display a greater number of player cards 802,such as 9 player cards 802 as shown in FIG. 38. In one embodiment, theplayer may enter a number of player cards 802 to be displayed in userinterface 3702 when the player selects show more cards icon 3412.

Change game icon 1520 enables the player to change the game to beplayed. For example, the player may select change game icon 1520 toselect a new game, such as a Super Wild Bingo 25 game that is played ona 5×5 player card 804, for example. In one embodiment, wrapper programmodule 502 is called when change game icon 1520 is selected. Wrapperprogram module 502 presents a list of the available games to be playedto the player. When the player selects a game from the list of availablegames, wrapper program module 502 calls the game module 504 associatedwith the selected game, and game module 504 presents the new game to theplayer.

Play icon 1522 enables the player to start the play of the game. Forexample, when the player selects play icon 1522, the house indicia areselected and are compared to player indicia 808 within pattern 902, asdescribed above. In one embodiment, once the game is started, userinterface icons 1508 become grayed out and/or become unable to beselected by the player until the game ends.

Pay table 3404 displays a list 3414 of payouts 3416 for each prize inthe game, which may include, for example, bingo jackpot prize 3418. Inone embodiment, payout 3416 for each prize is automatically adjusted(e.g., increased) when the player enters a wager for the game and/oradds more player cards 802 to the game. For example, bingo jackpot prize3418 may be displayed in the form of a pari-mutuel, progressive, fixed,or any other suitable form of prize. Bingo jackpot prize 3418 may beawarded to the first player or group of players that achieve (or match)the winning pattern associated with bingo jackpot prize 3418, regardlessof the number of ball calls needed to achieve the winning pattern. If apattern 902 is matched during the play of the game, in one embodiment, acorresponding line in pay table 3404 may be highlighted to indicate thatthe player won the highlighted payout 3416.

Referring to FIG. 38, another screenshot 3800 of user interface 3702that may be presented during execution of method 3600 is illustrated.More specifically, FIG. 38 illustrates user interface 3702 while thegame is being played. For example, 36 house indicia have been called outof a maximum of 36 house indicia.

In the example shown, the player has not matched the selected coverallpattern 902 of any player card 802 within 36 house indicia (or within 36ball calls). However, as indicated in a message at the top of userinterface 3702, a player competing for the same local prizes in the samegaming establishment 102, for example, has matched a pattern 902 within31 ball calls to win a bingo prize. It should be recognized that thegame continued after the local player won the bingo prize and additionalball calls were conducted until the maximum number of house indicia hadbeen selected (e.g., 36 house indicia). Accordingly, a plurality ofplayers competing for the same local prizes may each win one or more ofthe prizes during the play of the game.

FIG. 39 illustrates a pay table 3900 that may be used with the systemsand methods described herein during play of a game of chance, such asbingo. Pay table 3900 lists the prizes or payouts 3902 that may beawarded to a player depending on a number of house indicia, or ballcalls 3904, that were required for the player card pattern 902 orpatterns 902 to be matched. For example, if a player card pattern 902was matched on the 53rd ball call, the player wins a prize of 2000credits.

In the example shown in FIG. 39, pay table 3900 is associated with acoverall pattern 918. However, it should be recognized that other paytables may be used for a coverall pattern 918 and/or for other patterns902. It should also be recognized that any suitable amount may bewagered, including wagers in non-whole dollar increments. If a playerwagers a non-whole dollar amount, such as $1.55, pay table 3900 may bemodified to award prizes that are predetermined multiples of the wageredamount.

While pay table 3900 is shown as having a plurality of predetermined, orfixed prize amounts for a given wager, it should be recognized that paytable 3900 may be set up to award a progressive or pari-mutuel prize inaddition to, or in place of, the predetermined prize amounts.

FIG. 40 illustrates another pay table 4000 that may be used with thesystems and methods described herein during play of a game of chance,such as bingo. Pay table 4000 lists the prizes or payouts 4002 that maybe awarded to a player depending on a number of house indicia, or ballcalls 4004, that were required for the player card pattern 902 orpatterns 902 to be matched. For example, if a player card pattern 902was matched on the 23rd ball call, the player wins a prize of 1199credits.

In the example shown in FIG. 40, pay table 4000 is associated with aletter X pattern 914. However, it should be recognized that other paytables may be used for a letter X pattern 914 and/or for other patterns902. It should also be recognized that any suitable amount may bewagered, including wagers in non-whole dollar increments. If a playerwagers a non-whole dollar amount, such as $1.55, pay table 4000 may bemodified to award prizes that are predetermined multiples of the wageredamount.

While pay table 4000 is shown as having a plurality of predetermined, orfixed prize amounts for a given wager, it should be recognized that paytable 4000 may be set up to award a progressive or pari-mutuel prize inaddition to, or in place of, the predetermined prize amounts.

FIGS. 41-137 illustrate additional example pay tables that may be usedwith one or more games of chance described herein. While the pay tablesmay be described herein as being used with one or more specific games,any of the pay tables may be used with any suitable embodiment describedherein.

FIGS. 41-64 illustrate example pay tables that may be used with a SuperCash Bingo game as described above with reference to FIGS. 14-18. Morespecifically, FIG. 41 is a pay table 4100 for a single bingo patternplayed on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 42 is a pay table 4200 for a doublebingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 43 is a pay table 4300for a 4-pack bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 44 is a paytable 4400 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG.45 is a pay table 4500 for a letter X bingo pattern played on a 3×3player card. FIG. 46 is a pay table 4600 for a “stairs” bingo patternplayed on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 47 is a pay table 4700 for a letter Ubingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 48 is a pay table 4800for a coverall bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card.

FIG. 49 is a pay table 4900 for a single bingo pattern played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 50 is a pay table 5000 for a double bingo patternplayed on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 51 is a pay table 5100 for a triplebingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 52 is a pay table 5200for a letter U bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 53 is apay table 5300 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card.FIG. 54 is a pay table 5400 for a 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 55 is a pay table 5500 for a frame bingo patternplayed on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 56 is a pay table 5600 for a coverallbingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card.

FIG. 57 is a pay table 5700 for a single bingo pattern played on a 5×5player card. FIG. 58 is a pay table 5800 for a double bingo patternplayed on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 59 is a pay table 5900 for a triplebingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 60 is a pay table 6000for a letter X bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 61 is apay table 6100 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.FIG. 62 is a pay table 6200 for a 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 5×5player card. FIG. 63 is a pay table 6300 for a frame bingo patternplayed on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 64 is a pay table 6400 for a coverallbingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.

FIGS. 65-88 illustrate example pay tables that may be used with a SuperBonus Bingo game as described above with reference to FIGS. 19-22. Morespecifically, FIG. 65 is a pay table 6500 for a single bingo patternplayed on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 66 is a pay table 6600 for a doublebingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 67 is a pay table 6700for a 4-pack bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 68 is a paytable 6800 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG.69 is a pay table 6900 for a letter X bingo pattern played on a 3×3player card. FIG. 70 is a pay table 7000 for a stairs bingo patternplayed on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 71 is a pay table 7100 for a letter Ubingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 72 is a pay table 7200for a coverall bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card.

FIG. 73 is a pay table 7300 for a single bingo pattern played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 74 is a pay table 7400 for a double bingo patternplayed on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 75 is a pay table 7500 for a triplebingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 76 is a pay table 7600for a letter U bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 77 is apay table 7700 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card.FIG. 78 is a pay table 7800 for a 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 79 is a pay table 7900 for a frame bingo patternplayed on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 80 is a pay table 8000 for a coverallbingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card.

FIG. 81 is a pay table 8100 for a single bingo pattern played on a 5×5player card. FIG. 82 is a pay table 8200 for a double bingo patternplayed on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 83 is a pay table 8300 for a triplebingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 84 is a pay table 8400for a letter X bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 85 is apay table 8500 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.FIG. 86 is a pay table 8600 for a 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 5×5player card. FIG. 87 is a pay table 8700 for a frame bingo patternplayed on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 88 is a pay table 8800 for a coverallbingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.

FIGS. 89-101 illustrate example pay tables that may be used with a SuperGold Mine Bingo game as described above with reference to FIGS. 23-25.More specifically, FIG. 89 is a pay table 8900 for a single bingopattern and a double bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 90is a pay table 9000 for a 4-pack bingo pattern and a 6-pack bingopattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 91 is a pay table 9100 for aletter X bingo pattern and a letter T bingo pattern played on a 3×3player card. FIG. 92 is a pay table 9200 for a letter U bingo patternand a coverall bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 93 is apay table 9300 for a stairs bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card.

FIG. 94 is a pay table 9400 for a single bingo pattern and a doublebingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 95 is a pay table 9500for a triple bingo pattern and a letter U bingo pattern played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 96 is a pay table 9600 for a 6-pack bingo pattern anda 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 97 is a paytable 9700 for a frame bingo pattern and a coverall bingo pattern playedon a 4×4 player card.

FIG. 98 is a pay table 9800 for a single bingo pattern and a doublebingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 99 is a pay table 9900for a triple bingo pattern and a letter X bingo pattern played on a 5×5player card. FIG. 100 is a pay table 10000 for a 6-pack bingo patternand a 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 101 is apay table 10100 for a large frame bingo pattern and a coverall bingopattern played on a 5×5 player card.

FIGS. 102-107 illustrate example pay tables that may be used with aSuper Pattern Bingo game as described above with reference to FIGS.26-28. More specifically, FIG. 102 is a pay table 10200 for a lowvolatility group of bingo patterns and medium volatility group of bingopatterns played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 103 is a pay table 10300 fora high volatility group of bingo patterns played on a 3×3 player card.FIG. 104 is a pay table 10400 for a low volatility group of bingopatterns and medium volatility group of bingo patterns played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 105 is a pay table 10500 for a high volatility groupof bingo patterns played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 106 is a pay table10600 for a low volatility group of bingo patterns and medium volatilitygroup of bingo patterns played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 107 is a paytable 10700 for a high volatility group of bingo patterns played on a5×5 player card.

FIGS. 108-131 illustrate example pay tables that may be used with aSuper Wild Bingo game as described above with reference to FIGS. 29-32.More specifically, FIG. 108 is a pay table 10800 for a single bingopattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 109 is a pay table 10900 for adouble bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 110 is a paytable 11000 for a 4-pack bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG.111 is a pay table 11100 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 3×3player card. FIG. 112 is a pay table 11200 for a letter X bingo patternplayed on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 113 is a pay table 11300 for a stairsbingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 114 is a pay table 11400for a letter U bingo pattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 115 is apay table 11500 for a coverall bingo pattern played on a 3×3 playercard.

FIG. 116 is a pay table 11600 for a single bingo pattern played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 117 is a pay table 11700 for a double bingo patternplayed on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 118 is a pay table 11800 for a triplebingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 119 is a pay table 11900for a letter U bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 120 is apay table 12000 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card.FIG. 121 is a pay table 12100 for a 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 4×4player card. FIG. 122 is a pay table 12200 for a frame bingo patternplayed on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 123 is a pay table 12300 for acoverall bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card.

FIG. 124 is a pay table 12400 for a single bingo pattern played on a 5×5player card. FIG. 125 is a pay table 12500 for a double bingo patternplayed on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 126 is a pay table 12600 for a triplebingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 127 is a pay table 12700for a letter X bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 128 is apay table 12800 for a 6-pack bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.FIG. 129 is a pay table 12900 for a 9-pack bingo pattern played on a 5×5player card. FIG. 130 is a pay table 13000 for a frame bingo patternplayed on a 5×5 player card. FIG. 131 is a pay table 13100 for acoverall bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.

FIGS. 132-134 illustrate example pay tables that may be used with aSuper Wide Bingo game as described above with reference to FIGS. 33-35.More specifically, FIG. 132 is a pay table 13200 for a coverall bingopattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 133 is a pay table 13300 for acoverall bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 134 is a paytable 13400 for a coverall bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.

FIGS. 135-137 illustrate example pay tables that may be used with aSuper Local Bingo game as described above with reference to FIGS. 36-38.More specifically, FIG. 135 is a pay table 13500 for a coverall bingopattern played on a 3×3 player card. FIG. 136 is a pay table 13600 for acoverall bingo pattern played on a 4×4 player card. FIG. 137 is a paytable 13700 for a coverall bingo pattern played on a 5×5 player card.

FIG. 138 is a flow diagram of a method 13800 of playing a game ofchance, such as a game of keno, that may be used with the systems andmethods described herein. In one embodiment, the keno game may be playedon a standalone kiosk gaming device 114. Alternatively, the keno gamemay be played on any suitable gaming device 114, local server 110,and/or WAP server 120. FIGS. 139-145 are example screenshots of the gamethat may be presented to the player during play of the game when method13800 is executed. In one embodiment, wrapper program module 502 calls agame module 504 associated with the game of chance when the playerselects the game using user interface 312. Game module 504 presents thegame of chance to the player on display 310.

In one embodiment, a player may be identified 13801 and/or authorized toplay a game of chance using gaming device 114. A game entry interface orentry point (such as game entry interface 1200) is presented 13802 tothe player on gaming device 114 using wrapper program module 502, forexample, as described above with reference to FIG. 6. Wrapper programmodule 502 enables 13804 the player to select a game to be played from aplurality of games presented on the game entry interface 1200. Inaddition, wrapper program module 502 may enable 13804 the player toselect one or more game matrices to be used in the game. In oneembodiment, the player selects the game by selecting a game size and agame variety associated with the game that the player wishes to play.For example, the player may select the game to be a Super Cash Keno 25game that is played on a 5×5 player card 804.

The player is enabled 13806 to select a wager for the selected game. Forexample, the player may select an amount of $0.25 as a wager for theselected game. Gaming device 114 may determine 13808 whether sufficientcredits are available in the player account for the selected wager. Ifsufficient credits are not available, gaming device 114 prompts theplayer to insert 13810 cash or credits, for example, into gaming device114 for the selected wager.

If sufficient credits are available in the player account for theselected wager, the player is enabled 13812 to select a number of playercards 802 to be played during the game. In one embodiment, the player isalso enabled to select some or all of the player indicia 808 for eachplayer card 802 as described above. Optionally, gaming device 114 mayhave default values as desired so that the player may simply select anicon or button to initiate play of the game after inserting or applyingcredits as described herein.

A game ticket for the player is issued 13814 to gaming device 114, forexample, by local server 110 or WAP server 120 for use in playing theselected game. The game ticket may include each player card 802 selectedand the wagered amount for each player card 802. The game is presented13816 to the player by gaming device 114 on display 310. In oneembodiment, wrapper program module 502 selects and loads a game module504 associated with the selected game, and the selected game module 504presents 13816 the selected game to the player.

During play of the game, a predetermined number of house indicia isselected 13818 using randomization device 414 of local server 110 or WAPserver 120. Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the game isadministered by gaming device 114, randomization device 414 of gamingdevice 114 is used to select the house indicia. In one embodiment, thehouse indicia are randomly selected from a pool of numbers between 1 and80, and one or more of the selected house indicia may be designated orrandomly selected to be a bonus ball. The house indicia that have beenselected are compared with player indicia 808 on each player card 802 todetermine 13820 whether the house indicia match player indicia 808.

If no house indicia match the player indicia after all the house indiciahave been selected (i.e., after the predetermined number of houseindicia have been selected), the game ends. However, if one or morehouse indicia match the player indicia, the number of matching indiciais determined 13822. If the number of house indicia that match theplayer indicia satisfies 13824 one or more win criteria (or winningcriteria) based on an associated pay table, a payout is determined 13826and is credited to the player, such as to the player account, and thegame ends 13828. However, if the number of house indicia that match theplayer indicia is insufficient to satisfy a win criteria (also referredto as a winning criteria), the game ends 13828 without a payout to theplayer. In some embodiments, a consolation prize or another payout maybe awarded to the player despite not satisfying a win criteria.

After the game ends 13828, gaming device 114 determines 13830 whethersufficient credits are available to continue playing (i.e., to playanother game). If sufficient credits are not available, the player isprompted to insert 13832 additional cash or credits to continue. Ifsufficient credits are available, the player is presented with severaloptions. The player may select 13834 a cash out button or icon in whichcase the playing session or the game session ends 13836 and the playeris paid any remaining credits or money. The player may also select 13838a play button or icon, or a bet max button or icon, to repeat the gameusing the same game selections (e.g., the same player cards, the samewager amount, etc.). Accordingly, a game ticket is issued 13814 andmethod 13800 continues as described above. Alternatively, the player isenabled 13840 to change the game and/or the game characteristics afterthe game ends (and before a new game is started). For example, theplayer may select a new game, a new game size, and/or a new gamevariation to play. The player may additionally or alternatively select anew wager amount, a different number of player cards 802 to be played,and/or different player indicia 808 to be used in the game in a similarmanner as described above. A new game ticket may be issued 13814 andmethod 13800 may continue as described above.

Referring to FIG. 139, a screenshot 13900 of an example game entryinterface 13902 that may be used with method 13800. Game entry interface13902 may be presented by wrapper program module 502, for example, whena player operates gaming device 114. A plurality of game selectionbuttons or icons 13904 are presented to the player. In addition, aplurality of wager selection buttons or icons 13906 are presented to theplayer on game entry interface 13902.

Game selection icons 13904 operate similarly to game selection icons1202 (shown in FIG. 12) and enable the player to select a game to beplayed and/or one or more game matrices to be used during the game. Thegames available to be played may be categorized by game size or gamematrices (e.g., using 5×5 player cards 802 having 25 spaces, 7×7 playercards 802 having 49 spaces, 8×10 player cards 802 having 80 spaces,etc.) and by game variety (e.g., Super Gold Mine Keno, Super Cash Keno,Super Bonus Keno, Super Wild Keno, Super Multi-Step Keno, etc.).Accordingly, the player may select the game selection icon 13904 labeled“Super Cash Keno 25” to play a Super Cash Keno game using a player card802 having 25 spaces 806 or spots.

Wager selection icons 13906 are similar to wager selection icons 1204(shown in FIG. 12) and enable the player to select an amount of money orcredits to be wagered on the game selected. For example, if the playerselects a wager selection icon 13906 labeled “$1,” an amount of $1 incredits or currency will be wagered on each player card 802 used duringthe play of the selected game. It should be recognized that the game andthe wager may be changed or reselected after each game is completed orprior to the start of the game.

Referring to FIG. 140, a screenshot 14000 of a user interface 14002 thatmay be presented during execution of method 13800 is illustrated. Forexample, user interface 14002 may be presented during the play of aSuper Gold Mine Keno game. User interface 14002 may include a keno board14004 or player card, and a ball call display 14006 (also referred to asa tube display). In addition, user interface 14002 may include aplurality of user interface icons 14007 that may be selected to interactwith the game and/or to change the game or the characteristics of thegame, and may also include a pay table 14008.

Keno board 14004 displays the house indicia that are available to beselected or called during play of the game. In addition, in oneembodiment, keno board 14004 displays a marker (or “daub”) on the houseindicia that are selected during the game and a different marker or daubon the player indicia that have been selected for the player card.

Ball call display 14006 illustrates the balls (or other house indicia)that have been selected or called during the play of the game. Pay table14008 displays a list of win criteria and a list of payouts for each wincriteria. In one embodiment, one or more win criteria that are satisfied(and an associated payout of the satisfied win criteria) are highlightedin pay table 14008.

User interface icons 14007 may include a pay table icon 14010 (alsoreferred to as a “see pays” or “help” icon), an add cards icon 14012, achange game icon 14014, an erase icon 14016, a quick pick icon 14018, awager icon 14020, a bet 1 icon 14022, a bet max icon 14024, and a playicon 14026. Alternatively, one or more user interface icons 1508 may beomitted and/or replaced by other suitable icons. In one embodiment, paytable icon 14010 is similar to pay table icon 1510, add cards icon 14012is similar to add cards icon 1512, change game icon 14014 is similar tochange game icon 1520, wager icon 14020 is similar to wager icon 1516,bet 1 icon 14022 is similar to bet 1 icon 1514, bet max icon 14024 issimilar to bet max icon 1518, and play icon 14026 is similar to playicon 1522.

Erase icon 14016 causes the player indicia that have been previouslyselected to be removed from keno board 14004 to enable new playerindicia to be selected. Quick pick icon 14018 causes the player indiciato be randomly selected for each player card, rather than receiving theplayer indicia selections from the player.

In the example shown in FIG. 140, the player has matched or “caught” 6player indicia or spots during the game. According to pay table 14008,the player wins a payout of 40 credits. It should be recognized thatthis example is merely illustrative, and any suitable pay table 14008and/or game operation may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 141, a screenshot 14100 of another user interface14102 that may be presented during execution of method 13800 isillustrated. For example, user interface 14102 may be presented duringthe play of a Super Cash Keno game. User interface 14102 is similar touser interface 14002 (shown in FIG. 140), and similar components arelabeled in FIG. 141 with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 140.As described above with reference to FIG. 140, user interface 14102 mayinclude keno board 14004, ball call display 14006, a plurality of userinterface icons 14007 and may also include a pay table 14008.

In the example shown in FIG. 141, the player has matched or caught 5player indicia during the game. In addition, two cash balls (or bonusballs) have been matched (indicia numbers 17 and 69) by the playerindicia. Cash balls that have been called are highlighted in ball calldisplay 14006 and are also identified in keno board 14004 using a $symbol, although any suitable symbol or marker may be used to show thecash balls. Accordingly, in this example, the player receives a bonuspayout of 4 times a normal payout. Pay table 14008 illustrates a normalpayout of 12 credits for matching 5 indicia, so the player would receivean enhanced payout of 48 credits. It should be recognized that thisexample is merely illustrative, and any suitable pay table 14008 and/orgame operation may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 142, a screenshot 14200 of another user interface14202 that may be presented during execution of method 13800 isillustrated. For example, user interface 14202 may be presented duringthe play of a Super Bonus Keno game. User interface 14202 is similar touser interface 14002 (shown in FIG. 140), and similar components arelabeled in FIG. 142 with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 140.As described above with reference to FIG. 140, user interface 14202 mayinclude keno board 14004, ball call display 14006, a plurality of userinterface icons 14007 and may also include a pay table 14008.

In the example shown in FIG. 142, the player has played 4 player cards,with each player card requiring a match of one or more of apredetermined selection of 5 player indicia to satisfy the win criteria.The first player card and the fourth player card did not satisfy the wincriteria as none of the called house indicia matched the selected 5player indicia for the card. The second player card satisfied the wincriteria as two house indicia matched the selected player indicia. Inthis example, the player wins 10 credits according to pay table 14008.The third player card also satisfied the win criteria as 3 house indiciamatched the selected player indicia. One of the matched house indiciawas also selected to be a bonus ball (indicia number 16), thus causingthe player to win a bonus. Bonus balls that have been called arehighlighted in ball call display 14006 and are also identified in kenoboard 14004 using a B symbol, although any suitable symbol or marker maybe used to show the bonus balls. In the example shown, the bonus awardedto the player for matching the bonus ball is 9 free games in addition tothe normal payout of 100 credits the player won for matching 3 houseindicia. It should be recognized that this example is merelyillustrative, and any suitable pay table 14008 and/or game operation maybe provided.

Referring to FIG. 143, a screenshot 14300 of another user interface14302 that may be presented during execution of method 13800 isillustrated. For example, user interface 14302 may be presented duringthe play of a Super Wild Keno game. User interface 14302 is similar touser interface 14002 (shown in FIG. 140), and similar components arelabeled in FIG. 143 with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 140.As described above with reference to FIG. 140, user interface 14302 mayinclude keno board 14004, ball call display 14006, a plurality of userinterface icons 14007 and may also include a pay table 14008.

In the example shown in FIG. 143, the player has matched or caught 4player indicia during the game. In addition, one wild ball (or bonusball) has been matched (indicia number 23) by the player indicia. Wildballs that have been called are highlighted in ball call display 14006and are also identified in keno board 14004 using a WILD symbol,although any suitable symbol or marker may be used to show the wildballs. The wild ball enhances the payout awarded to the player byincreasing the payout by one level. Accordingly, in this example, theplayer would have qualified for a payout of 10 credits by matching 3house indicia. However, as a result of matching the wild ball, theplayer is awarded a payout of 80 credits as if the player had matched anadditional 4th house indicia. It should be recognized that this exampleis merely illustrative, and any suitable pay table 14008 and/or gameoperation may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 144, a screenshot 14400 of another user interface14402 that may be presented during execution of method 13800 isillustrated. For example, user interface 14402 may be presented duringthe play of a Super Multi-Step Keno game. User interface 14402 issimilar to user interface 14002 (shown in FIG. 140), and similarcomponents are labeled in FIG. 144 with the same reference numerals usedin FIG. 140. As described above with reference to FIG. 140, userinterface 14402 may include keno board 14004, ball call display 14006, aplurality of user interface icons 14007 and may also include a pay table14008.

In the example shown in FIG. 144, the player has wagered 5 credits whichenables the player to play 5 different combinations of the selected 5player indicia. The first credit wagered enables the player to play a 1spot with a first player indicia (indicia number 5 labeled with asubscript numeral 1), and the second credit wagered enables the playerto play a 2 spot with the first player indicia and a second playerindicia (indicia number 7 labeled with a subscript numeral 2). The thirdcredit wagered enables the player to play a 3 spot with a first playerindicia, the second player indicia, and a third player indicia (indicianumber 19 labeled with a subscript numeral 3), and the fourth creditwagered enables the player to play a 4 spot with the first playerindicia, the second player indicia, the third player indicia, and afourth player indicia (indicia number 12 labeled with a subscriptnumeral 4). The fifth credit wagered enables the player to play a 5 spotwith the first player indicia, the second player indicia, the thirdplayer indicia, the fourth player indicia, and a fifth player indicia(indicia number 23 labeled with a subscript numeral 5). The player winspayouts for each of the different combinations that satisfies a wincriteria. Each subscript numeral may indicate a sequence that the playerselected the indicia. Accordingly, one player indicia labeled withsubscript 1 may indicate that the player selected that player indiciafirst, and another player indicia labeled with subscript 2 may indicatethat the player selected that player indicia next. Each player indiciaselected for a lower numbered combination may be used in higher numberedcombinations. For example, a first indicia selected for the lowestcombination (1 spot) may also be used in each higher numberedcombination (2 spot, 3 spot, 4 spot, and 5 spot).

In the example shown, the player matched the first indicia whichsatisfies the win criteria for each combination (the 1 spot, the 2 spot,the 3 spot, the 4 spot, and the 5 spot). In addition, the player matchedthe second indicia which increases the payout for the 2 spot, the 3spot, the 4 spot, and the 5 spot. Accordingly, the player wins 3 creditsfor the 1 spot, 12 credits for the 2 spot, 10 credits for the 3 spot, 12credits for the 4 spot, and 10 credits for the 5 spot as illustrated inpay table 14008. It should be recognized that this example is merelyillustrative, and any suitable pay table 14008 and/or game operation maybe provided.

Referring to FIG. 145, a screenshot 14500 of another user interface14502 that may be presented during execution of method 13800 isillustrated. For example, user interface 14502 may be presented duringthe play of a Super Progressive Keno game. In one embodiment, the SuperProgressive Keno game is similar to the Super Wide Bingo game and theSuper Local Bingo game described in FIGS. 33-38 except that the SuperProgressive Keno game is played as a keno game. User interface 14502 issimilar to user interface 14002 (shown in FIG. 140), and similarcomponents are labeled in FIG. 145 with the same reference numerals usedin FIG. 140. As described above with reference to FIG. 140, userinterface 14502 may include keno board 14004, ball call display 14006, aplurality of user interface icons 14007 and may also include a pay table14008. In addition, a keno jackpot 14504 and/or one or more progressiveprizes 14506 may be provided and displayed in user interface 14502.

In one embodiment, keno jackpot 14504 may be similar to bingo jackpotprize 3418. In one embodiment, the player who has the highest number ofcatches (i.e., matched house indicia) in the game wins keno jackpot14504. If two or more players tie for the highest number of catches, theplayers may split keno jackpot 14504 or may each be awarded the entirekeno jackpot 14504 or a portion of keno jackpot 14504.

In the example shown in FIG. 145, the player has matched or caught 2player indicia during the game. The player did not satisfy the wincriteria for keno jackpot 14504 or for progressive prizes 14506.Accordingly, in this example, the player is only awarded a payout of 7credits for catching 2 house indicia on a 5 spot card. It should berecognized that this example is merely illustrative, and any suitablepay table 14008 and/or game operation may be provided.

In some embodiments, players of different games may play together usingthe same randomization device 414, such as a randomization device 414 ofWAP server 120, local server 110, a ball blower, manual ball draw, orthe like. For example, a first player may play a Super Gold Mine Bingogame using the same randomization device 414 as a second player playinga Super Bonus Bingo game. In such an embodiment, randomization device414 generates a common set of house indicia to be used in each of thedifferent games. If bonus balls (or other indicia) that are used in onegame (such as Super Bonus Bingo) are selected, the bonus balls (or otherindicia) are ignored in games (such as Super Gold Mine Bingo) that donot use the bonus balls (or other indicia) or a bonus ball may be usedto signify house indicia if the bonus ball is part of the house indicia.In one embodiment, the players who are playing different games may alsoplay to win one or more common prizes, such as one or more progressiveprizes. However, in some embodiments, the players playing differentgames may only play to win one or more common prizes if the statisticalchance of satisfying a winning criteria for the common prize is similarfor each of the different games, or if the statistical chance ofsatisfying the winning criteria for the common prize is within apredetermined acceptable range for each of the different games. Forexample, if the statistical chance of satisfying the winning criteriafor a progressive prize in a Super Gold Mine Bingo game (e.g., thechance of matching a coverall pattern) is similar to the statisticalchance of satisfying the winning criteria for the progressive prize in aSuper Cash Bingo game (e.g., the chance of matching a coverall pattern),then players who are playing the Super Gold Mine Bingo game and playerswho are playing the Super Cash Bingo game may each play to win the sameprogressive prize.

In addition, keno and bingo games, or other games of chance, may beplayed together using the same randomization device 414, ball blower,manual ball draw, or the like. For example, players playing Super GoldMine Keno may use the same randomization device 414, ball blower, manualball draw, or the like as players playing Super Gold Mine Bingo oranother bingo game variety in a similar manner as described above. Houseindicia selected by randomization device 414, ball blower, manual balldraw, or the like that are only usable with a subset of the games playedtogether are ignored by the games that cannot use the house indicia. Forexample, if a keno game uses a house indicia pool of 80 numbers, and abingo game uses a house indicia pool of 75 numbers, randomization device414, ball blower, manual ball draw, or the like would set the houseindicia pool to be 80 numbers and would randomly select or call houseindicia from the pool of 80 numbers. The called house indicia thatexceed 75 may be ignored by the bingo game. In some embodiments, playersplaying one or more keno games may play to win the same prize or prizes(e.g., progressive prizes) that players playing one or more bingo gamesare playing to win, in a similar manner as described above.

The systems, methods, and examples described herein should be viewed asillustrative rather than limiting. For example, while the embodimentsdescribed herein refer to games of bingo and keno, it should berecognized that the systems and methods described herein may be usedwith any suitable game of chance. Additionally, any number and type ofhouse indicia and/or player indicia may be used with player cards duringthe game. Player cards, keno boards, and bingo flashboards may be of anysuitable size or shape as desired to comply with relevant gamingregulations.

Unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means one or more of areferenced object or step. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, eachmethod described herein is not limited to the order in which the stepsof each method are described or introduced. Rather, the steps may berearranged in any suitable order, may be omitted, and/or may be combinedwith steps of other methods as desired. In addition, aspects orcomponents of each embodiment and/or figure described herein may beomitted, or may be combined with, or modified to include, aspects orcomponents of any other embodiment and/or figure unless otherwisespecified.

This written description uses examples to describe embodiments of thedisclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making andusing any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and mayinclude other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a memory device configuredto store instructions that are executable by a processor to provide agame of chance in which a plurality of house indicia is selected from apool of house indicia; and a processor coupled to said memory device forexecuting the instructions, wherein, when said processor executes theinstructions, said processor is programmed to: randomly select aplurality of house indicia from the pool of house indicia; provide arandom chance of selecting a bonus indicia; determine whether a patternhas been completed by determining whether each player indicia within thepattern is matched by one of the selected plurality of house indicia;and upon a determination that the pattern has not been completed,automatically complete the pattern upon a determination that the bonusindicia is selected and that a predetermined number of player indiciawithin the pattern have not been matched by the selected plurality ofhouse indicia.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor isfurther programmed to select the bonus indicia to be indicia that is notincluded within the pool of house indicia.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein said processor is further programmed to determine that theplayer wins a prize when the pattern is automatically completed.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein said processor is further programmed todetermine that the player wins a prize when the plurality of playerindicia within the pattern is matched by the selected plurality of houseindicia.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said processor is furtherprogrammed to continue the game after said processor determines that theplayer wins the prize.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein said processoris further programmed to end the game when a predetermined number of thehouse indicia have been selected.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein saidprocessor is further programmed to enable the player to select at leasta portion of the player indicia for use in determining whether theplayer wins the prize.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein said processoris further programmed to enable the player to select the pattern to beused during the game, wherein the pattern is a grouping of spaces fordisplaying player indicia within a player card matrix.
 9. The system ofclaim 4, wherein said processor is further programmed to enable theplayer to select at least a portion of the player indicia to bedisplayed within the pattern.
 10. The system of claim 4, wherein saidprocessor is further programmed to determine that the player wins theprize even when a pattern has been matched by another player playing thegame.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the game is a first game of aplurality of games, said processor is further programmed to enable theplayer to switch from the first game to a second game of the pluralityof games.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said memory devicecomprises a wrapper program module comprising instructions that, whenexecuted by said processor, program said processor to transfer gameplaydata from the first game to the second game.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein said processor is further programmed to enable the player tostart the game on a first device and obtain the result of the game on asecond device.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the predeterminednumber of player indicia within the pattern that have not been matchedby the selected plurality of house indicia is
 1. 15. The system of claim1, wherein said processor is further programmed to determine that theplayer wins a prize when the pattern is automatically completed, whereinan amount of the prize is based on the predetermined number of playerindicia within the pattern that have not been matched by the selectedplurality of house indicia.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the bonusindicia is one of a plurality of bonus indicia that are randomlyselectable by said processor.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein saidprocessor is further programmed to select each bonus indicia of theplurality of bonus indicia to be indicia that is not included within thepool of house indicia.
 18. A method of providing a game of chance inwhich a plurality of house indicia is selected from a pool of houseindicia, said method comprising: randomly selecting, by a processor, aplurality of house indicia from the pool of house indicia; providing arandom chance of selecting a bonus indicia; determining, by theprocessor, whether a pattern has been completed by determining whethereach player indicia within the pattern is matched by one of the selectedplurality of house indicia; and upon a determination that the patternhas not been completed, automatically completing the pattern, by theprocessor, upon a determination that the bonus indicia is selected andthat a predetermined number of player indicia within the pattern havenot been matched by the selected plurality of house indicia.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising selecting the bonus indicia to beindicia that is not included within the pool of house indicia.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising determining that the player winsa prize when the pattern is automatically completed.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising determining that the player wins a prizewhen the plurality of player indicia within the pattern is matched bythe selected plurality of house indicia.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising continuing the game after determining that the playerwins the prize.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising endingthe game when a predetermined number of the house indicia have beenselected.
 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising enabling theplayer to select at least a portion of the player indicia for use indetermining whether the player wins the prize.
 25. The method of claim21, further comprising enabling the player to select the pattern to beused during the game, wherein the pattern is a grouping of spaces fordisplaying player indicia within a player card matrix.
 26. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising enabling the player to select at least aportion of the player indicia to be displayed within the pattern. 27.The method of claim 21, further comprising determining that the playerwins the prize even when a pattern has been matched by another playerplaying the game.
 28. The method of claim 18, wherein the game is afirst game of a plurality of games, said method further comprisingenabling the player to switch from the first game to a second game ofthe plurality of games.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprisingtransferring gameplay data from the first game to the second game. 30.The method of claim 18, further comprising enabling the player to startthe game on a first device and obtain the result of the game on a seconddevice.
 31. The method of claim 18, further comprising selecting thepredetermined number of player indicia within the pattern that have notbeen matched by the selected plurality of house indicia to be
 1. 32. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising determining that the player winsa prize when the pattern is automatically completed, wherein an amountof the prize is based on the predetermined number of player indiciawithin the pattern that have not been matched by the selected pluralityof house indicia.
 33. The method of claim 18, further comprisingselecting the bonus indicia to be one of a plurality of bonus indiciathat are randomly selectable by the processor.
 34. The method of claim33, further comprising selecting each bonus indicia of the plurality ofbonus indicia to be indicia that is not included within the pool ofhouse indicia.